Children in Gaza Experiencing Growing Nutritional Deficiencies

The Worsening Malnutrition Crisis Among Children in Gaza: Unicef Sounds Alarm

Rising malnourishment cases among children in Gaza

In the troubled coastal strip of Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is gnawing at its core. Unicef is ringing alarm bells about the escalating health challenges facing children, particularly malnutrition and poor hygiene conditions. Just in May 2023, a staggering 5119 children aged between six months and five years old were admitted for acute malnutrition — a whopping 50% increase from the previous month [@unicefgaza].

Of the young children afflicted, 636 were suffering from severe acute malnutrition — the most serious form, desperately needing lifesaving aid [@unicef]. Between the start of the year to the end of May, a heart-wrenching 16,736 children in Gaza required treatment for malnutrition, averaging 112 children per day, as per Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa [@unicef].

When malnutrition and illness hit simultaneously, it creates a vicious cycle. "Children weakened by malnutrition are more susceptible to severe illnesses such as acute diarrhea," explains Unicef, "Conversely, debilitating illnesses like acute and prolonged diarrhea further exacerbate health issues, and eventually, malnutrition" [@unicefgaza].

Unicef presses all conflict parties to halt the violence, safeguard civilians, respect international humanitarian law and human rights, ensure immediate humanitarian access, and release all prisoners held captive in Israel.

The conflict began in October 2023 when extremist groups such as Hamas launched attacks on Israel. Since then, over 1,200 people have lost their lives, and more than 250 have been taken hostage to Gaza. Israel's military continues to fight against Hamas [@ntvde].

The Essential Roots of the Malnutrition Crisis in Gaza

The root causes behind the malnutrition crisis in Gaza can be traced back to the ongoing conflict, blockade, and extreme disruption of fundamental services:

Fuel Crisis and Water Shortages:

The blockade on fuel imports has drawn down water production and treatment facilities to a critical minimum. As of mid-2025, only 40% of drinking water facilities remain operational, and without fuel, all will cease within weeks. This looming crisis intensifies water scarcity and unhygienic conditions, impacting children’s health and nutrition. Unicef points to the 50% increase in children aged 6 months to 5 years requiring treatment for acute malnutrition between April and May 2025, demonstrating how water scarcity contributes to the worsening nutrition situation [@unicef].

Blockade and Food Insecurity:

The scarcity of humanitarian aid and food imports due to blockades has led to increased food insecurity. In 2024, the acute malnutrition rate among children under five rose from 0.8% in 2022 to a devastating 17% by November 2024, corresponding with a significant drop in the number of aid trucks allowed into Gaza. While a temporary ceasefire in early 2025 saw malnutrition rates dip to 2.7%, the renewal of full siege and conflict in March 2025 set these gains back. By April 2025, one in four children was at risk of or suffered from acute malnutrition [@unicefbrief].

Conflict-Linked Destruction:

The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread civilian casualties, destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems. As many as 50,000 children have reportedly been killed or injured since October 2023, intensifying displacement, trauma, and disruption of normal life, which further harms child nutrition and health [@ntvde][@bmjopen].

Solutions Proposed by Unicef:

Easing of the Fuel Blockade: Immediate relief from the fuel blockade is essential to operate water production, sanitation, and health services necessary to combat further child malnutrition and worsening health conditions. Failure to do so could result in children dying of thirst and an intensifying malnutrition crisis [@unicef].
Unhindered Humanitarian Aid Access: Ensuring the unimpeded entry and increase of food and medical aid into Gaza are vital to address acute malnutrition. Historical data show that brief easements of restrictions led to significant improvements in child nutrition [@unicefbrief].
Ceasefire and Protection of Civilians: Sustaining peace and safeguarding crucial civilian infrastructure, including healthcare and water systems, are mandatory to put an end to the cycle of violence, displacement, and deprivation aggravating malnutrition [@ntvde][@bmjopen].
Nutrition and Health Interventions: Strengthening treatment programs for acute malnutrition among children and vulnerable groups like pregnant and breastfeeding women is essential due to the high rates of malnutrition reported in healthcare facilities [@unicefbrief].

In summary, Unicef's findings from around May 2023 demonstrate that the deepening malnutrition crisis in Gaza is driven by intertwined factors stemming from blockade-induced fuel and food shortages, unremitting conflict, and critical infrastructure damage. Solutions revolve around lifting blockades to restore essential services and humanitarian aid, shielding civilians and infrastructure, and implementing nutrition treatment programs to alleviate this ongoing humanitarian tragedy [@unicef][@unicefbrief].

References

Unicef: acute malnutrition crisis worsens in Gaza
British Medical Journal
NTV
DPA
Unicef Brief
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