GAZA: A new UN-backed report reveals a devastating surge in child malnutrition across Gaza, with acute malnutrition rates nearly tripling since February as aid deliveries face severe restrictions.
- 5.8% of screened children under five (nearly 50,000) now suffer from acute malnutrition—up from 4.7% in May and triple the rate during February’s ceasefire.
- Severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition weakening immune systems, is rising alarmingly.
- 29 starvation-related deaths (children and elderly) were reported in just days last month, per Palestinian officials.
- Critical nutritional treatment centers in northern Gaza and Rafah have shut down, cutting access to lifesaving care.
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Aid Crisis Deepens
The collapse of a March ceasefire triggered an 11-week Israeli blockade on aid, with only partial resumption since. Israel alleges Hamas diverts supplies—a claim the group denies. Recent deadly shootings near US-backed aid routes have further hampered distributions.
Quotes from the Report:
“Children are bearing the brunt of this man-made catastrophe. Without urgent intervention, preventable deaths will skyrocket.”
— Nutrition Cluster (UN-led aid agency group)