Gaza's Children Suffering from Malnutrition Crisis Amid 19-Month War

Asmaa al-Arja's 2-year-old daughter, Mayar, lies in a Gaza hospital, battling malnutrition for the 17th day. Mayar has celiac disease, and her mother struggles to find gluten-free food in the war-torn enclave. The child's condition is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the 19-month conflict on Gaza's children, who are facing a severe malnutrition crisis. According to the U.N. children's agency, over 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition this year, and tens of thousands more are expected to be affected in the coming year.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.N. children's agency reported over 9,000 children treated for malnutrition this year, with tens of thousands more expected to be affected in the coming year.
• Gaza's hospitals are overwhelmed with malnourished children, with the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warning of up to 71,000 cases of malnourished children between now and March.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also at risk, with nearly 17,000 expected to need treatment for acute malnutrition in the coming months.
• The U.N. says the current aid is woefully insufficient, with around 600 trucks a day needed to meet basic needs, compared to only dozens of humanitarian trucks entering the territory since the blockade was lifted.
• Israel accuses Hamas of siphoning off aid, but provides no evidence, and plans to roll out a new aid distribution system that is expected to fall short of mounting needs.
• Malnourished children are dying, and aid groups say that unless the blockade is fully lifted, the situation will continue to deteriorate, with people facing starvation and famine.
• Mothers are struggling to find food for their children, with many relying on watered-down formula and scraps to feed their families.
• Pregnant women are losing weight and struggling to breastfeed, with many at risk of acute malnutrition.

Statistics:

• Over 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition this year, according to the U.N. children's agency.
• Up to 71,000 cases of malnourished children are expected between now and March, warned the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.
• Nearly 17,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are expected to need treatment for acute malnutrition in the coming months.
• Around 600 trucks a day are needed to meet basic needs, compared to only dozens of humanitarian trucks entering the territory since the blockade was lifted.
• 50,000 pregnant women are at risk of acute malnutrition.

Sources:

• "Israel eases blockade but little aid reaches Palestinians" by Mohammed Jahjouh, Wafaa Shurafa, Sarah El Deeb, and Sam Mednick (Associated Press)
• "Mideast Wars Gaza Malnutrition" (Associated Press)