UN: Child Malnutrition in Gaza Surges 150 Percent

(MENAFN) United Nations officials issued a grave warning on Friday regarding a steep increase in child malnutrition across the Gaza Strip, attributing the crisis to Israeli-imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid, ongoing displacement, and continued attacks.

Speaking at a press briefing, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric highlighted recent data from UNICEF, stating, "The number of malnourished children in Gaza is rising at an alarming rate, with more than 5,100 children between six months and five years of age admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition in May alone."

Dujarric noted that the May figures reflect a near 50% spike compared to April, and a staggering 150% surge from February—when a ceasefire was in place and humanitarian access was considerably better.

In total, UNICEF reports that over 16,700 children in Gaza received treatment for malnutrition from January through May 2025, averaging 112 new cases daily.

“Each one of these cases is preventable. The food, water and nutrition treatments these children desperately need are being blocked from reaching them,” Dujarric stated, underscoring the preventable nature of the crisis.

He added that around 1,000 truckloads of vital health, nutrition, and relief supplies remain stalled at border crossings, awaiting clearance for delivery.

Dujarric also reported that Israel has issued a new evacuation directive impacting two neighborhoods in Gaza, following rocket fire allegedly originating from those areas. “This has affected two neighborhoods where hundreds of families are living,” he said.

Additionally, he revealed that "no fuel has entered the strip for 16 weeks. " On Thursday, Israel approved 12 of 21 UN-coordinated humanitarian missions, while 5 were denied and 4 cancelled.

Turning to the occupied West Bank, Dujarric raised alarms over forced displacement threats in Masafer Yatta. Israel’s continued refusal to authorize building permits or zoning plans in the area has left over 1,200 Palestinians vulnerable to eviction.

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