Malnutrition reaching 'alarming levels' in Gaza, warns WHO
Last updated: July 27, 2025 | 21:39
A man carries the body of Palestinian baby Zainab Abu Haleeb, who died due to malnutrition, according to health officials, at Nasser Hospital. Reuters
Women and children hold up signs as they attend a silent march against war and hunger in the Mawasi area in the east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on July 26, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
Malnutrition rates are reaching "alarming levels" in the Gaza Strip, the World Health Organisation WHO) warned on Sunday, saying the "deliberate blocking" of aid was entirely preventable and had cost many lives.
"Malnutrition is on a dangerous trajectory in the Gaza Strip, marked by a spike in deaths in July," the WHO said in a statement.
Of the 74 recorded malnutrition-related deaths in 2025, 63 had occurred in July — including 24 children under five, one child aged over five, and 38 adults, it added.
"Most of these people were declared dead on arrival at health facilities or died shortly after, their bodies showing clear signs of severe wasting," the UN health agency said.
"The crisis remains entirely preventable. Deliberate blocking and delay of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid has cost many lives."
Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City. Reuters
Nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City is now acutely malnourished, the WHO said, citing its Nutrition Cluster partners.
It said the percentage of children aged six to 59 months suffering from acute malnutrition had tripled in the city since June, making it the worst-hit area in the Palestinian territory.
In Khan Younis and middle Gaza, those rates have doubled in less than a month, it added.
"These figures are likely an underestimation due to the severe access and security constraints preventing many families from reaching health facilities," the WHO said.
Israel on Sunday began a limited "tactical pause" in military operations to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis.
But the WHO called for sustained efforts to "flood" the Gaza Strip with diverse, nutritious food, and for the expedited delivery of therapeutic supplies for children and vulnerable groups, plus essential medicines and supplies.
"This flow must remain consistent and unhindered to support recovery and prevent further deterioration," the Geneva-based agency said.
