One in Three Children Under Two in Gaza Suffer from Acute Malnutrition: UNRWA
Gaza, The Gulf Observer: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has issued a dire warning, revealing that one in three children under the age of two in northern Gaza is currently suffering from acute malnutrition, signaling the imminent threat of famine in the region.
In a stark social media post, UNRWA underscored the alarming escalation of children’s malnutrition, describing it as a rapidly spreading crisis reaching unprecedented levels within Gaza. Disturbingly, hospitals in the enclave have reported tragic cases of children succumbing to malnutrition and dehydration, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The International Food Security Watchdog, the IPC, is poised to release an imminent report detailing the magnitude of the hunger crisis in Gaza. This follows its earlier warning in December, which signaled the looming risk of famine persisting through the projection period until May.
Amidst mounting concerns, Western nations have intensified calls for Israel to facilitate greater access for aid into Gaza. The UN has lamented facing “overwhelming obstacles,” including the closure of crossings, stringent vetting processes, restrictions on movement, and internal unrest within Gaza, hindering the delivery of vital assistance.
Efforts to alleviate the crisis have seen the initiation of air and sea relief deliveries into Gaza. However, aid agencies caution that these measures alone are insufficient to address the pressing needs of the population, emphasizing the urgent necessity of facilitating land-based supply routes to ensure comprehensive relief efforts.
The unfolding humanitarian emergency in Gaza underscores the critical imperative for concerted international action to avert a catastrophic famine and mitigate the suffering of vulnerable communities. As the situation continues to deteriorate, urgent and coordinated efforts are imperative to provide lifesaving assistance and uphold the fundamental rights and dignity of the affected population in Gaza.
