The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stern warning amid the Israeli blockade of Gaza saying malnutrition in the besieged strip has reached a dangerous level marked by a spike in deaths.
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Who blamed the deliberate blockade and delay of large-scale food, health and humanitarian aid for taking toll on many people in Gaza stressing that the crisis remains preventable.
According to Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM), which measures the percentage of children aged 6–59 months suffering from acute malnutrition, has tripled since June, making it the worst-hit area in the Gaza Strip with the rates showing a two-fold increase in Khan Younis and the Middle Area in less than one month.
WHO quoted the Nutrition Cluster partners saying nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City is now acutely malnourished.
It added that so far in July, over 5000 children under five have already been admitted for outpatient treatment of malnutrition in just the first two weeks, 18% of them with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form.
The international body added,” An additional 73 children with SAM and medical complications were hospitalized in July, compared to 39 in June, bringing total inpatient admissions in 2025 to 263.”
This surge in cases is overwhelming the only four specialized malnutrition treatment centers in the Gaza Strip, pushing an already fragile health system closer to collapse”, reported WHO and added,” All four centers are working beyond capacity, running low on fuel, with their supplies expected to run out by mid-next month.”
WHO warned that the crisis is taking a severe toll on pregnant and breastfeeding women. Recent Nutrition Cluster screening data shows that over 40% are severely malnourished with the situation remaining most critical in the Middle Area, where the rate of malnutrition has tripled compared to June, and in Gaza City and Khan Younis, where they have doubled.
“It is not only hunger that is killing people, but also the desperate search for food” said WHO expressing regret that families are being forced to risk their lives for a handful of food.
It noted that,” Since 27 May, more than 1060 people have been killed and 7200 injured while trying to access food.”
The World Health Organization called for urgent, sustained efforts to flood the Gaza Strip with diverse, nutritious food, and to expedite the delivery of therapeutic supplies for children and vulnerable groups, as well as essential medicines and supplies.
WHO emphasized that the flow must remain consistent and unhindered to support recovery and prevent further deterioration reiterating its call for the protection of civilians and health.
