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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Gaza Children Suffering from Malnutrition as Israeli Siege Constricts Aid

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As Israel intensifies its attacks on the Gaza Strip, killing at least 60 Palestinians including 20 children in al-Tuffah neighbourhood, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Authorities in Gaza reported that at least 66 children have died from malnutrition since the start of the war, and the number of malnourished children is rising at an alarming rate. The UN agency for children, UNICEF, warned that the situation is dire, with over 16,736 children admitted for treatment for malnutrition in the Gaza Strip in the past 150 days, an average of 112 children a day.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gaza Government Media Office condemned the Israeli siege as a "war crime", blaming the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon to exterminate civilians.
  • At least 66 children have died from malnutrition in Gaza since the start of the war, while over 16,736 children have been admitted for treatment for malnutrition in the past 150 days.
  • UNICEF warned of a 50% increase in malnourished children in May compared to April, and a 150% increase compared to February when aid was entering the Gaza Strip in significant quantities.
  • Israeli forces have killed over 550 people at and near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites, which remains the only source of food in the Strip, since the group began operations on May 19.
  • Aid groups have condemned the GHF's "militarised" operations, with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres describing the US-backed operation as "inherently unsafe" and killing people.
  • The Israeli military denied reports that Israeli troops were ordered to deliberately shoot at unarmed Palestinians at the GHF sites.

Statistics:

  • 66 children have died from malnutrition in Gaza since the start of the war.
  • 16,736 children have been admitted for treatment for malnutrition in the Gaza Strip in the past 150 days, averaging 112 children per day.
  • The number of malnourished children in the Gaza Strip has increased by 50% in May compared to April, and by 150% compared to February.
  • Over 550 people have been killed at and near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites since the group began operations on May 19.

Sources:

  • Gaza's Government Media Office
  • UNICEF report on malnutrition in the Gaza Strip
  • Al Jazeera report on Israeli forces killing Palestinians at the GHF sites
  • Haaretz newspaper report on Israeli troops being ordered to shoot at unarmed Palestinians at the GHF sites
  • Statement from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the safety of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's operations

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