The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported alarming levels of acute malnutrition among children in Gaza, marking the highest rates recorded to date. As hunger deepens in the besieged enclave, the health of its youngest residents is rapidly deteriorating.
In July alone, nearly 12,000 children under five were identified as acutely malnourished out of 136,000 screened, according to aid organizations working on the ground. Among them, over 2,500 children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form of malnutrition. Tragically, 40 children required hospitalization in stabilisation centres.
OCHA notes that the proportion of children with severe acute malnutrition is rising. In June and July, 18% of acutely malnourished children were diagnosed with SAM, compared with 12% during the March-May period.
Humanitarian Access and Nutrition Supplies Severely Restricted
The worsening malnutrition crisis is compounded by severe restrictions on humanitarian access. Last month, aid agencies were able to reach only 8,700 of the 290,000 children in need of feeding and nutrition supplements. This sharp decline results from a critical shortage of lipid-based nutrient supplements entering Gaza.
This situation represents a dramatic collapse of the malnutrition prevention programme. Earlier, it reached an average of 76,000 children per month between April and June.
The distribution of other essential nutrition supplies has also dropped, negatively affecting vulnerable groups including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
Shelter Crisis Exacerbates Humanitarian Emergency
Adding to the crisis, no shelter materials have entered Gaza since 2 March. More than one million shelter items and 2.3 million items such as tents and tarps remain stuck in Jordan and Egypt due to lack of Israeli approval for their entry.
The shelter shortage is severe, with many families living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions—some without any shelter at all. In July, humanitarian assessments at 44 displacement sites found that 43 lacked adequate shelter for families.
Ongoing Bombardment, Displacement, and Insecurity
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid ongoing bombardments, displacement orders, and general insecurity. These factors disrupt humanitarian operations and force more families to flee their homes.
OCHA reported that the overall situation remains unchanged despite Israel’s announcement of a “tactical pause” intended to allow safe passage of aid.
Challenges in Aid Delivery and Medical Evacuations
Humanitarian convoys face significant delays. While fewer missions are denied outright, approved movements often take several hours, sometimes exceeding 18 hours.
Recent coordination with Israeli authorities facilitated five out of 11 requested aid missions, including food collection from key crossings. Four missions faced initial impediments but were eventually completed, including fuel transfers vital for hospital and infrastructure operations.
Medical evacuations remain critical. Recently, 15 children and 42 companions were evacuated to Jordan with WHO support. Nevertheless, more than 14,800 patients in Gaza urgently need specialized medical care.
Commercial Goods Entering Gaza, But Access Remains Insufficient
Several trucks carrying food items have entered Gaza recently. Nevertheless, the UN stresses that humanitarian supplies remain insufficient to meet the immense needs.
OCHA emphasized the urgent requirement for unimpeded and predictable humanitarian access into Gaza. Without it, aid efforts are delayed, resources wasted, and lives lost, preventing an effective response to the growing crisis. Continued international support and unrestricted humanitarian access are crucial to saving lives and alleviating the suffering of Gaza’s children and families.