The United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, has raised serious concerns over a sharp rise in severe malnutrition among children in the Gaza Strip. In August, one in every five children in Gaza City was reported to be severely malnourished.
According to UNICEF data, the rate of severe malnutrition in the Gaza region reached 13.5 percent in August, a significant increase from 8.3 percent in July. The situation is particularly dire in Gaza City, where 19 percent of children are affected.
The agency warned that ongoing Israeli military operations are depriving children of essential medical care and life-saving services. Recently, at least ten medical centers in Gaza City and northern Gaza have been forced to close.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, “Among children admitted for treatment in August, 23 percent were suffering from severe malnutrition, compared to just 12 percent six months ago.”
The organization cautioned that the crisis is worsening daily, posing a grave threat to the health and survival of children in the region.