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United Nations

Malnutrition Rates Double in Gaza Strip Amid Israeli Restrictions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

GAZA'S children are suffering from growing hunger pangs amid a severe blockade enforced by Israel, which has led to a sharp increase in malnutrition rates. The restrictive measures, imposed in March, have severely impacted the food supply in Gaza, exacerbating the crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have killed over 90 Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, highlighting the escalating humanitarian situation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Malnutrition rates among children in Gaza have doubled since Israel imposed strict restrictions on food entry in March, with 10.2% of children under 5 being acutely malnourished in June, compared to 5.5% in March, according to UNRWA.
  • The UN agency has screened nearly 16,000 children under 5 in June and found a significant increase in malnutrition cases.
  • One of the deadliest strikes hit a house in Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa district, killing 19 members of the family, including 8 women and 6 children, according to Shifa Hospital.
  • The Hamas politician Mohammed Faraj alGhoul, a member of the bloc of representatives from the group, was killed in a strike early Tuesday.
  • Experts have warned of a possible famine in Gaza due to the long-running blockade and the severe restrictions on food entry.
  • UNICEF has also reported a marked increase in malnutrition cases, with 5,870 documented cases in June, more than double the 2,000 cases documented in February.
  • Over 840 Palestinians have been killed and more than 5,600 others wounded in shootings while trying to reach the GHF centres in military-controlled zones.

Statistics:

  • 10.2% of children under 5 in Gaza are acutely malnourished, as per UNRWA screening in June.
  • Malnutrition cases have increased from around 1,000 in February to 5,870 in June, according to UNICEF.
  • 93 bodies of people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to hospitals in Gaza over the past 24 hours, with 278 wounded, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
  • 840 Palestinians have been killed and 5,600 others wounded in shootings while trying to reach the GHF centres.
  • UNRWA has screened nearly 16,000 children under 5 in June.
  • The Israeli military has allegedly fired warning shots at people approaching their forces in a suspicious manner.

Sources:

  • Associated Press - Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip
  • WAFAA SHURAFA; ASSOCIATED PRESS

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