9,300 children hospitalised for acute malnutrition in Gaza despite ceasefire — UN
Severe hunger continues to plague children in Gaza, with more than 9,000 hospitalised for acute malnutrition in October alone, according to new UN data — despite a ceasefire declared two months ago.
The immediate threat of famine has eased for much of the territory’s 2.2 million residents, but aid agencies say Israeli restrictions on humanitarian deliveries are keeping relief far below what is needed for a population exhausted by two years of war, displacement and inadequate shelter.
“In Gaza’s hospitals I have met several newborns who weighed less than one kilogramme,” said Tess Ingram, spokesperson for UNICEF. “Their tiny chests heaving with the effort of staying alive.”
UNICEF figures show 9,300 children treated for severe acute malnutrition in October — fewer than the 14,000 at the peak in August, but higher than levels during the previous ceasefire earlier this year. In the same month, 8,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women were hospitalised for acute malnutrition.
“This is still shockingly high,” Ingram told reporters. “This is not over. Generations of families … have been forever altered.”
Aid deliveries have increased since the height of the conflict, but remain far below requirements. On average, 140 aid trucks a day entered Gaza in December, compared with the 600 per day target set under the ceasefire.
Private aid shipments and commercial goods have risen more sharply, reducing market prices, but remain inaccessible for most Gazans, many of whom have had no income for more than two years.
Humanitarian access is coordinated through a multinational hub led by the US and Israel, but the Israeli military retains final authority over what enters Gaza. On Sunday, the UN reported that only four of eight scheduled aid convoys were allowed through.
Deputy Editor
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