Renowned Palestinian scholar, writer, and poet Omar Harb passed away on 4/9 after his health rapidly declined due to starvation and severe malnutrition in recent weeks, according to Egypt's Youm7 newspaper, which extensively covers the Gaza situation.

Harb's last public appearance was in an interview with Al Jazeera three weeks prior. The 60-year-old scholar described enduring hardship and deteriorating health due to the prolonged Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Scholar Omar Harb in an interview with Al Jazeera. Video: Al Jazeera

Harb lost at least 26 family members, including his wife, children, and grandchildren. Five homes belonging to his family were destroyed in Israeli attacks.

Before 10/2023, Harb weighed nearly 120 kg, but in his final media appearance before his death, he weighed less than 40 kg, appearing gaunt and frail. During the interview, he expressed grief over the hardships he faced, especially the loss of his loved ones.

"I looked at pictures of myself before and after, and I thought 'it can't be the same person'," he told Al Jazeera.

Omar Harb after (left) and before suffering from severe malnutrition. Photo: Middle East Eye

Omar Harb after (left) and before suffering from severe malnutrition. Photo: Middle East Eye

Harb appealed for food, medicine, and a new wheelchair, but he didn't receive any of these before his passing.

Harb held multiple degrees in psychology and graduated from Egypt's prestigious Al-Azhar University. He was a well-known scholar, writer, and poet, active in his field until the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

According to Palestinian media, the total number of starvation deaths in the Gaza Strip has reached 370, mostly children, the elderly, and women. Health officials in Gaza say that around 1.9 million people are malnourished, with at least 641,000 facing severe starvation.

Ngoc Anh (Middle East Eye, Egypt Today, TRT)