The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the escalating malnutrition crisis in the Gaza Strip, highlighting a sharp increase in malnutrition-related deaths in July. The alarming figures show that out of 74 such deaths in 2025, 63 occurred in July, with children under five accounting for a third of these fatalities. Many of the victims were either declared dead upon arrival at medical facilities or shortly thereafter, with clear signs of severe wasting.

This crisis, WHO states, is entirely preventable, but has been exacerbated by the deliberate obstruction and delay of essential food, health, and humanitarian aid. The situation has been particularly dire for children under five, with nearly one in five in Gaza City now suffering from acute malnutrition. Reports indicate that Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates, which measure the percentage of young children affected, have tripled since June, marking Gaza City as the worst-hit area.

The crisis is compounded by severe access and security constraints, which hinder many families from reaching healthcare facilities. This has led to a significant number of admissions for outpatient treatment of malnutrition. In the first two weeks of July alone, over 5,000 children under five were admitted for treatment, with 18% of them diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form. Additionally, the number of children with SAM and accompanying medical complications requiring hospitalization has nearly doubled compared to June.

The WHO’s warning underscores the urgent need for international intervention and immediate, unhindered humanitarian aid to address the crisis. The situation calls for global attention to prevent further deterioration and loss of life, especially among the most vulnerable populations in Gaza.

Some content for this article was sourced from who.int.