A Lethal Cycle: Spiking Malnutrition in Gaza's Children Amidst ongoing Crisis
Rising malnourishment among kids in Gaza – frequent food shortages impacting young lives adversely
It's a grim reality in Gaza. The humanitarian crisis continues to intensify, putting kids at risk, especially due to the escalating malnutrition and unsanitary living conditions. In just one month, May 2025, a staggering 5,119 children aged six months to five years old in the war-ravaged coastal strip received treatment for severe malnutrition, marking a 50% increase compared to the previous month [source].
636 fragile infants suffered from the most critical form of malnutrition, requiring immediate life-saving assistance. However, healthcare facilities in Gaza struggle to provide clean water, medical care, and essential treatments [source]. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, expressed his shock, stating, "In just 150 days - from the beginning of the year to the end of May - 16,736 children in Gaza were treated for malnutrition. That's an average of 112 children per day" [source].
When malnutrition and diseases plague children simultaneously, a vicious cycle materializes. "Malnourished children are more susceptible to life-threatening diseases like acute diarrhea. Conversely, prolonged diarrhea exacerbates health conditions and leads to malnutrition," UNICEF warned [source].
The malnutrition crisis in Gaza is fueled primarily by the ongoing conflict, blockade, and the restrictions they impose on humanitarian aid. After the renewed warfare began in March 2025, access to food and medical supplies has plummeted, aggravating malnutrition [source]. The aid blockade from March 2 to May 19, 2025, created an extreme shortage of food and nutrition supplies, leading directly to the spikes in malnutrition rates [source].
Adding to the complexity, malnutrition cases are reportedly a tactical weapon of war. Reportedly, food deprivation and restrictions are employed deliberately, resulting in sustained increases in malnutrition among vulnerable groups [source].
Despite the grim situation, humanitarian agencies like Doctors of the World and the World Health Organization continue their monitoring and public appeals for ceasefires and immediate humanitarian access [source]. Although some food aid flowed following a ceasefire in January 2025, temporary improvements in malnutrition rates have been reversed by renewed hostilities and blockades [source].
UN agencies like UNRWA and UN OCHA are consistent in publishing situation reports emphasizing the crisis and the urgency for renewed ceasefires and unrestricted humanitarian access to prevent further unnecessary deaths from malnutrition [source]. Medical and humanitarian experts stress that waiting for a famine declaration is too late for many children already dying from acute malnutrition, pushing the international community to act swiftly [source].
The ongoing crisis in Gaza has escalated the issue of malnutrition among children, demanding immediate attention from the international community, as exemplified by the 50% increase in severe malnutrition cases in just one month. In response, a comprehensive community policy should address this crisis, including employment policies that might aid in strengthening healthcare facilities and ensuring the efficient distribution of resources for food and nutrition. Simultaneously, investing in science and health-and-wellness programs, specifically focusing on nutrition, could contribute to breaking the lethal cycle of malnutrition and disease among children in Gaza.
