UN Reports Over 60,000 Children Suffering Malnutrition in Gaza Amid Deepening Crisis

The United Nations has revealed that more than 60,000 children in the Gaza Strip are suffering from severe malnutrition as the humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate, Anadolu Agency reported. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq, citing data from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized the urgent need to reopen crossings to allow the entry of critical supplies, including food, fuel, and medical aid.

Haq warned that community kitchens, which provide essential meals to displaced families, are rapidly running out of fuel and resources. He also highlighted the dire public health impact of water shortages, lack of cleaning supplies, and cohabitation with livestock. In March alone, over one-third of households in Gaza reported lice infestations, further exacerbating the crisis.

The spokesperson condemned attacks on humanitarian workers as clear violations of international humanitarian law. This follows the release of a video by The New York Times exposing the Israeli army’s false claims about the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics on March 23. The Palestine Red Crescent Society confirmed the deaths, which included eight of its workers, five Civil Defense personnel, and a UN agency staff member.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 50,600 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. The UN continues to call for accountability and immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.