Malnutrition-Related Deaths Surge in Gaza Amid Aid Blockade

The Gaza Strip is experiencing a significant increase in malnutrition-related deaths, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting 63 such fatalities in July alone, including 24 children under five. This marks a sharp rise from the 11 deaths recorded in the first half of the year.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has issued an alert indicating that famine conditions are unfolding in Gaza. The IPC reports that over 500,000 people are enduring famine-like conditions, with the entire population facing emergency levels of hunger.

UNICEF has highlighted the dire situation for children, noting that more than 320,000 children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition, with thousands suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of undernutrition. In June, 6,500 children were admitted for treatment, the highest number since the conflict began, and July is tracking even higher.

The WHO has called for urgent, sustained efforts to deliver diverse, nutritious food and therapeutic supplies to Gaza, emphasizing the need for consistent and unhindered aid to prevent further deterioration.

The humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by restrictions on aid access. The UN and humanitarian partners were unable to deliver any food to Gaza for nearly 80 consecutive days from early March to mid-May 2025 due to a complete blockade on humanitarian and commercial access. Although food deliveries have resumed intermittently, they remain far below what is needed for the survival of the population.

International leaders have expressed concern over the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the existence of "real starvation" in Gaza, directly contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that there is no starvation in the region. Trump emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid and proposed that the U.S. and its allies establish open-access food centers in Gaza, stressing that Israel must help implement and manage the distribution.

The WHO continues to call for the protection of civilians and health workers, the release of hostages, and an immediate ceasefire to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.