A ceasefire agreement raised hopes for increased aid in Gaza, but severe malnutrition persists, affecting over 54,600 children under five. A recent study by UNRWA revealed that children with arm measurements below 125 millimeters are severely malnourished and in need of urgent treatment. The study, conducted from January 2024 to August 2025, involved over 219,000 children, highlighting the dire hunger situation exacerbated by conflict and blockades.
Dr. Masako Horino, leading the study, emphasized the preventable acute malnutrition crisis in Gaza due to prolonged conflict and limited humanitarian access. The study reported that 15.8% of children screened suffered from acute wasting by August 2025, with malnutrition levels fluctuating based on food aid availability.
Experts, including Dr. Prabhat Jha, expressed shock at the extent of malnutrition in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance. Despite denials from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reports indicate a significant number of deaths, particularly among children, due to malnutrition-related complications.
The study faced challenges in data collection, acknowledging limitations in representation and measurement methods. While the ceasefire offers a temporary respite, the long-term impact of malnutrition on children’s health and development remains a major concern. Concerns persist that the conflict in Gaza may lead to lasting health deficits for an entire generation of children.
