The consequences of the Israeli attacks in the Gaza strip. Credit Line: AA / Abaca / Abaca Press / Profimedia
Malnutrition rates reach “alarming levels” in the Gaza Strip, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Sunday, saying that the “deliberate blocking” of the aid cost many lives and has been completely preventable, AFP reports.
“Malnutrition is on a dangerous trajectory in the Gaza strip, marked by a sudden increase in deaths in July,” WHO said in a statement.
According to WHO, of the 74 deaths associated with the malnutrition that were registered in 2025, 63 occurred in July-about 24 children under 5 years old, a child older than 5 years and 38 adults.
“Most of these people were declared dead upon arrival in the health units or died shortly afterwards, their bodies showing clear signs of severe emaciation,” the UN Sanitary Agency said.
“The crisis remains entirely preventable. The deliberate blocking and delay in food, medical and humanitarian aid have cost many lives,” the WHO continued.
Almost 1 in 5 children under the age of 5 years in the city of Gaza is now acute, said, invoking the data from its Nutrition Cluster.
WHO notes that the percentage of children between the ages of 6 and 59 months suffering from acute malnutrition has been tripled in the city compared to June, becoming the most affected area on the Palestinian territory.
In Khan Yunis and in the center of the Gaza strip, these rates doubled in less than a month, he added, says WHO.
“These figures are probably an underestimation due to the severe access and security constraints that prevent many families from reaching health units,” the WHO said.
On Sunday, Israel began a “tactical pause” limited in military operations to allow the UN and humanitarian aid agencies to approach a crisis that deepens.
However, WHO has asked for sustained efforts to “flood” the Gaza strip with various and nutritious foods and for the rapid delivery of therapeutic supplies for children and vulnerable groups, plus drugs and essential supplies.
“This flow must remain constant and unstoppable to support recovery and prevent even greater deterioration,” warned the Agency in Geneva.
