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United Nations

Gaza Crisis Deepens as Malnutrition and Starvation Take Hold

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Casualties from the acute lack of food and resources mount as airstrikes and bombardment across Gaza continue to kill, injure, and displace people and destroy civilian infrastructure, said UN humanitarians on Wednesday. The desperation is palpable, with families living in overcrowded, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions, struggling to access basic necessities like clean water and food. The situation is exacerbated by the damaged Israeli-supplied water pipeline, Mekorot, which has been out of commission for nearly a week.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 49 child deaths from malnutrition have been reported as of August 5, including 39 children under the age of 5.
  • More than 340 children have been admitted for malnutrition treatment at one of five treatment centers in Gaza in the current year.
  • Eight people suffering from malnutrition and starvation, including three children, died in the previous 24 hours, according to the Gaza health authorities.
  • The UN and its partners collected data from over 900 households in Gaza in July, indicating continuous trauma leading to mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
  • Many households report poor sanitation and lack of clean water, with the damaged Israeli-supplied water pipeline, Mekorot, exacerbating the situation.
  • UN teams in Gaza collected some food and fuel from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem and Zikim crossings on Tuesday, but the entry of goods has not met the minimum requirements of people who are starving.
  • Shelter items are a priority since supplies have run out, exposing people to the summer heat and unprotected when winter comes.

Statistics:

  • 49 child deaths from malnutrition reported as of August 5.
  • 39 children under the age of 5 reported dead from malnutrition.
  • 340+ children admitted for malnutrition treatment in the current year.
  • $900+ households surveyed for mental health issues in Gaza in July.
  • 8 people died from malnutrition and starvation in the previous 24 hours.
  • 3 children among the 8 people who died from malnutrition and starvation.

Sources:

  • United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
  • Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
  • Gaza health authorities
  • Xinhua (photo source)
  • State Council News People's Republic of China

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