Malnutrition Crisis in Gaza Escalates: Children Dying as Aid Blockades Persist

The Gaza Strip is witnessing a deadly surge in malnutrition-related deaths, signaling a catastrophic collapse of health and humanitarian conditions. According to recent data, 63 out of 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025 occurred in the month of July alone, marking a dangerous turning point in an already dire humanitarian emergency. Among the dead are 24 children under five, a child over five, and 38 adults, most of whom died before receiving any medical care.

This spike in fatalities reflects more than just hunger. It represents the lethal consequences of continued aid blockades, failing healthcare infrastructure, and prolonged conflict. Medical reports confirm that most of the deceased were either declared dead on arrival at medical facilities or succumbed shortly thereafter, displaying clear signs of severe wasting—a clinical hallmark of long-term starvation.

A Crisis That Was Entirely Preventable

Humanitarian agencies, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nutrition Cluster, stress that this crisis is man-made and entirely preventable. Repeated obstructions to humanitarian aid delivery, including food, medical supplies, and fuel, have played a direct role in the escalating death toll.

Over one in five children under five in Gaza City are now suffering from acute malnutrition, according to data from field nutrition partners. This rate is based on Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) indicators, which have tripled since June, making Gaza City the worst-affected zone. In Khan Younis and the Middle Area, GAM rates have doubled within just one month. These figures are considered conservative estimates, as many families are physically unable to reach healthcare due to insecurity, destroyed infrastructure, or displacement.

Skyrocketing Child Malnutrition Admissions

The scale of suffering among children is staggering. In the first two weeks of July alone, over 5,000 children under five were admitted for outpatient treatment of malnutrition, 18% of them with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM)—the most life-threatening form of malnutrition.

This continues a steep upward trend: 6,500 children were treated in June, the highest figure since hostilities intensified in October 2023. Hospitalizations have also surged, with 73 severely malnourished children with complications admitted in July, compared to 39 in June. Since the beginning of 2025, 263 such hospitalizations have been recorded.

These rising numbers are overwhelming Gaza’s fragile health system. The only four specialized malnutrition treatment centres in the territory are operating beyond capacity. Supplies are expected to run out by mid-August, and fuel shortages are threatening the continued operation of critical medical equipment. Medical workers report extreme exhaustion, and the collapse of water and sanitation systems is further exacerbating disease spread, reinforcing a vicious cycle of illness and starvation.

Women and Infants Facing Acute Danger

Malnutrition is ravaging pregnant and breastfeeding women, with recent screening showing that more than 40% are severely malnourished. The highest burden is in the Middle Area, where the rate has tripled since June, followed closely by Gaza City and Khan Younis, where the figures have doubled. These women, many of whom are also caretakers, are at heightened risk of mortality and of passing poor health outcomes to their infants.

Starvation and Violence: A Deadly Combo

It is not only starvation that is claiming lives—the pursuit of food itself has become a death sentence for many Gazans. Since 27 May, over 1,060 people have been killed and 7,200 injured while trying to obtain food aid. These fatalities occurred amid stampedes, attacks on convoys, and shelling of distribution points—further emphasizing the untenable conditions faced by civilians.

WHO Calls for Immediate Action

The World Health Organization has renewed its plea for sustained, unhindered humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. It urges global powers and regional stakeholders to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of diverse, nutritious foods, therapeutic foods for children, and critical medicines. Fuel, water purification supplies, and hygiene kits are also needed to prevent further outbreaks of disease.

The WHO also reiterated its calls for:

• The protection of civilians and health workers

• The release of detained WHO staff and other humanitarian workers

• The release of all hostages

• And an immediate, unconditional ceasefire

A Moral and Legal Imperative

The staggering death toll from malnutrition in July underscores what global health and humanitarian officials have long warned: starvation is being used as a weapon of war. The deliberate delay and denial of aid, combined with a collapsing healthcare system, are creating a catastrophe that violates international humanitarian law and moral decency.

As aid trickles in slowly through overburdened and often obstructed crossings, the cost is being paid in children’s lives. Time is running out. Without urgent action to allow safe, consistent, and massive humanitarian access to Gaza, the worst is yet to come.