Palestinian woman dies in Italy after being transferred from Gaza for treatment

A 20-year-old Palestinian woman, Marah Abu Zahri, has died in Italy after being airlifted from Gaza in critical condition, the University Hospital of Pisa announced Saturday.

She arrived on a humanitarian flight organized by the Italian government late Wednesday night, accompanied by her mother. The hospital described her condition as “extremely complex,” with severe wasting caused by significant weight loss and muscle atrophy.

After undergoing initial examinations and starting treatment, she suffered a sudden respiratory failure and cardiac arrest on Friday, leading to her death.

The transfer was part of three Italian Air Force flights this week that brought 31 patients and their companions from Gaza to Rome, Milan, and Pisa. Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that all patients suffered from severe congenital illnesses, injuries, or amputations. More than 180 children and young people have been evacuated to Italy since the start of the 'Israeli' genocide began in Gaza.

Eugenio Giani, president of the Tuscany region, extended his condolences to the family. Italian media reported that she had been suffering from severe malnutrition.

Humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, and Hamas have repeatedly warned of the growing risk of famine in war-torn Gaza.