Occupied Jerusalem, April 4 (SANA) – Children in the Gaza Strip are confronting a deepening humanitarian crisis, with severe food shortages, rising malnutrition, and dwindling supplies of infant formula, international agencies warned Saturday. The situation is exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade and the continued closure of crossings.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described conditions observed during recent visits to al-Awda and Kamal Adwan hospitals in northern Gaza as “horrifying.” He said food scarcity has contributed to the deaths of approximately 10 children.
Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only pediatric facility in northern Gaza, is operating well beyond capacity. While the WHO has delivered roughly 9,500 liters of fuel and limited medical supplies, Tedros said the aid meets only “a fraction” of urgent needs.
The WHO characterized the crisis as a “man-made catastrophe,” reporting that acute malnutrition rates have surpassed 10%. More than 20% of pregnant and breastfeeding women examined suffer from malnutrition, often severe.
Infant Formula Shortages
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported in February that infant formula stocks in Gaza are nearly depleted. While over 8,500 infants have received formula through the agency, supplies remain far below actual needs, placing infants and young children at heightened risk. More than 200,000 Palestinians rely on UNRWA health services.
Long-Term Health Risks
UN estimates from mid-March indicate that one in five children under five in Gaza suffers from wasting or acute malnutrition. Over 40% of pregnant and breastfeeding women lack essential nutrients, raising concerns about long-term health consequences. Maternal malnutrition is linked to low birth weight and significantly higher mortality among newborns.
Palestinian Health Officials Warn of Additional Threats
Palestinian Health Minister Majed Abu Ramadan highlighted growing health risks from environmental deterioration, including the spread of rodents amid widespread destruction and unmanaged waste. He warned these conditions heighten the risk of disease outbreaks, including plague and salmonella, particularly among infants and children.
Humanitarian and rights organizations are calling for urgent international action to lift the blockade and allow unrestricted entry of food and medical aid. More than 1.6 million Palestinians in Gaza are estimated to face severe food insecurity, raising fears of famine if immediate measures are not taken.
Kh.A
