WHO: Gaza Food SituationImprovesSlightly, but Famine Risk Remains

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a slight improvement in the food situation in the Gaza Strip, but warns that the risk of famine has not yet been averted. The Gaza Strip has been under attack from the Israeli military for over six months, since the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Why this matters: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has far-reaching implications for regional stability and global human rights, highlighting the need for urgent international intervention. The long-term effects of childhood malnutrition will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of an entire generation, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and vulnerability.

According to the WHO, more than 40 severely malnourished children under the age of 5 have been brought to hospitals in the Gaza Strip with additional health problems since March. Some 2-year-olds weighed only around 4 kilograms, far under the average weight of 10-14 kilograms. Before the outbreak of fighting in October, malnutrition was practically non-existent in the territory.

Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO's representative to the Palestinian Territories, stated that "the consequences of childhood malnutrition will be far-ranging. We will see the effects for years to come." Ahmed Dahir, the WHO's top doctor in Gaza, emphasized that the supply of food is still fragile and that he cannot say the risk of famine is past.

According to Palestinian health authorities, a total of around 25 malnourished children have died in the territory in recent weeks. Peeperkorn clarified that the children did not starve to death, but that malnutrition contributed to the complications that ultimately led to their deaths.

The ongoing war in Gaza has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. At least 34,622 Palestinians have been killed, with 70% of them being babies, children, and women. Additionally, over 77,867 people have been wounded. Local food production, such as fruit, vegetables, and fish, has been destroyed by the war.

While the WHO reports a slight improvement in the availability of food in Gaza, with more basic food, wheat, and diversified food on the market, the threat of famine has not gone away. Food availability remains fragile, and people lack the cash to pay for food in the markets. The consequences of childhood malnutrition will be far-reaching and felt for years to come in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Key Takeaways

• WHO reports slight improvement in Gaza's food situation, but famine risk remains.
• 40+ severely malnourished children under 5 hospitalized in Gaza since March.
• 25 malnourished children died in recent weeks, with malnutrition contributing to deaths.
• Ongoing war in Gaza has killed 34,622 Palestinians, mostly babies, children, and women.
• Food availability in Gaza remains fragile, with people lacking cash to buy food.