UNICEF, UNICEF, the UNICEF has warned that acute malnutrition among children in northern Gaza doubled within a month, reaching what it describes as “destructive and unprecedented levels”.
In a statement on Saturday, the organization said that 31 % of children under two in northern Gaza suffered acute malnutrition in February, compared to 15.6 % in January. Among children under five years, cases increased from 13 % to 25 % over the same period.
“The speed at which this catastrophic childish crisis in Gaza has been unfolded is shocking, especially when desperately needed help was just a few miles away,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.
Blockade
UNICEF attributes the growing crisis to the continued exclusion of Israel, which has seriously limited humanitarian aid traditions to Gaza. The exclusion, in its position on March 2, followed the end of the first phase of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
“Our efforts to provide help for life salvation are blocked by unnecessary restrictions and they cost children their lives,” Russell said.
The situation is particularly intense in northern Gaza, where at least 23 children have died of malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks, according to UNICEF. The Agency said 4.5 % of children who are shown in shelters and health centers suffer from severe waste, the most deadly form of malnutrition.
Even in Rafah, in southern Gaza – where aid access was relatively better – the number of exploited children under two doubled from 5 % in January to 10 percent until the end of February.
Calls for urgent humanitarian action
UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations continue to require immediate ceasefire to facilitate help deliveries and rehabilitation of basic services.
“An immediate humanitarian ceasefire continues to provide the only opportunity to save children’s lives and end their suffering,” Russell said.
The rights groups have accused Israel of violating international laws by limiting Gaza reinforcement, while Palestinian Health Officers report that nearly 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict, with thousands still missing.
As malnutrition rates continue to grow, UNICEF has warned that without emergency humanitarian intervention, more lives will be lost.
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