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Palestinian Arabs

Gaza Plunged into Dire Malnutrition Crisis Amid Israeli Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has reached a grim milestone with at least 60,034 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces, according to the enclave's Ministry of Health. The situation on the ground is dire, with humanitarian aid deliveries being hindered by relentless fighting and a blockade that has been in place for months. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has warned of a "worst-case scenario of famine" unfolding in Gaza, with famine thresholds reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and acute malnutrition in Gaza City.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 60,034 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the war on Gaza erupted in October 2023.
  • The IPC has warned of a "worst-case scenario of famine" unfolding in Gaza, with famine thresholds reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and acute malnutrition in Gaza City.
  • Food consumption has sharply deteriorated, with one in three individuals going without food for days at a time.
  • Malnutrition has risen rapidly in the first half of July, with over 20,000 children being admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July. More than 3,000 of them are severely malnourished.
  • At least 147 people, including 88 children, have died from malnutrition since the start of the war.
  • The Director of Paediatrics and Maternity at Nasser Hospital, Ahmed al-Farra, has said that babies are being severely malnourished, with "no muscles and fat tissue, just the skin over the bone".
  • Malnutrition can have long-term consequences for babies, infants, and children, including cognitive development issues, depression, and anxiety.
  • Medical staff are seeing serious health risks even after food becomes available again, including issues with absorption, heart problems, and infection.

Statistics:

  • At least 60,034 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the war on Gaza erupted in October 2023.
  • 62 Palestinians, including 19 aid seekers, have been killed in the past 24 hours alone.
  • Over 20,000 children have been admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition between April and mid-July.
  • More than 3,000 of these children are severely malnourished.
  • At least 147 people, including 88 children, have died from malnutrition since the start of the war.
  • One million women and girls in Gaza face the "unthinkable choice" of starving or risking their lives while searching for food.

Sources:

  • Al Jazeera: "Gaza Death Toll Exceeds 60,000 Since Israeli War Began"
  • Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC): "Gaza on Brink of Famine, Warns IPC"
  • Al Jazeera: "Malnutrition Crisis Deepens in Gaza as Israeli War Continues"
  • UN Women: "Statement by Executive Director Sima Bahous on Gaza Crisis"
  • Doctors Without Borders (MSF): "Malnutrition in Gaza: A Growing Crisis"

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