UNICEF Warns of Alarming Surge in Child Malnutrition in Northern Gaza
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised serious concerns over a sharp rise in child malnutrition in northern Gaza, describing the situation as “devastating and unprecedented.”
Key Findings:
- Acute malnutrition among children under two has doubled within a month, rising from 15.6% in January to 31% in February.
- Cases among children under five also surged, increasing from 13% to 25% over the same period.
- Severe wasting, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, was found in 4.5% of children screened in shelters and health centers.
- In Rafah, southern Gaza, where aid access is relatively better, malnutrition rates for children under two doubled from 5% in January to 10% in February.
- At least 23 children in northern Gaza have reportedly died from malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks.
Aid Blockade & Humanitarian Crisis:
UNICEF attributes the worsening crisis to Israel’s blockade, which has severely restricted humanitarian aid deliveries since March 2. The blockade followed the expiration of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that humanitarian aid has been available but remains blocked. “The speed at which this catastrophic child malnutrition crisis in Gaza has unfolded is shocking, especially when desperately needed assistance has been at the ready just a few miles away,” she stated.
Calls for Urgent Action:
UNICEF and humanitarian organizations are urging an immediate ceasefire to allow unrestricted aid deliveries and restore essential services. Russell stressed that a ceasefire is the only way to prevent further child deaths and end their suffering.
International rights groups have accused Israel of violating humanitarian laws by restricting aid, while Palestinian health officials report that nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing conflict, with thousands still missing.
The crisis in Gaza continues to escalate, with child malnutrition reaching critical levels due to severe aid restrictions. Without urgent humanitarian intervention, UNICEF warns that the situation will lead to even more child deaths in the coming weeks.
