Over 50,000 children in Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition: UNRWA

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jun 2024 19:54

UNRWA reported on the devastating condition of Gaza's hospitals, noting critical shortages of medical supplies and fuel that are exacerbating the health crisis.

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Palestinian children are waiting in line to receive food (UNRWA)

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on Saturday reported that more than 50,000 children in Gaza are experiencing severe malnutrition due to ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid.

In a post on X, the agency stated that people are facing "desperate levels of hunger" as a result of restricted access to aid. It further reaffirmed its commitment to continue the delivery of humanitarian aid but described the current situation as catastrophic, stressing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire.

With continued restrictions to humanitarian access, people in #Gaza continue to face desperate levels of hunger. Over 50,000 children require treatment for acute malnutrition@UNRWA teams work tirelessly to reach families with aid but the situation is catastrophic. #CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/FwmsjrqmRW
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) June 15, 2024

In a separate post, the agency also mentioned the devastating condition of Gaza's hospitals, noting critical shortages of medical supplies and fuel that are exacerbating the health crisis.

Hospitals in ruin, restrictions on humanitarian access and scarce medical supplies and fuel across #Gaza are pushing the health situation beyond crisis level.@UNRWA health staff continues to support families but less than 1/3 of our health centres are operational.#CeasefireNow pic.twitter.com/62vzL1dxEF
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) June 15, 2024

Yesterday, the Government Media Office in Gaza reported that since the onset of the Israeli aggression, 15,694 children have tragically lost their lives, with an additional 34,000 children sustaining injuries. The office further reported that 3,600 children remain missing under the rubble following the attacks, and confirmed that at least 200 children in Gaza are currently held in detention by occupying forces.

Earlier this week, UNICEF expressed grave concern over more than 3,000 malnourished children in Gaza, warning of imminent risks to their lives due to the lack of essential medical care following the Israeli bombardment of Rafah city in southern Gaza.

UN agencies have issued alerts, warning that without immediate humanitarian interventions and international efforts to reach affected areas, Gaza residents could soon face catastrophic levels of food insecurity by October.