UNICEF Warns Acute Malnutrition Threatens 9,300 Infants in Gaza

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) recently warned that nearly 9,300 children under the age of five in the Gaza Strip are suffering from acute malnutrition, leaving them extremely vulnerable to low temperatures and the critical sanitary conditions generated by the Israeli military in the occupied Palestinian territory through its incessant airstrikes, bombardment, and demolitions over the past two years.

The agency emphasized that the combination of hunger, cold, and disease represents a lethal threat to the lives of children. Although the current number of acute malnutrition cases is lower than the 11,746 recorded in September and the 14,363 in August, October still marks one of the highest monthly rates, nearly five times higher than that observed in February 2025, during the previous ceasefire.

“Despite progress, thousands of children under five continue to suffer from acute malnutrition in Gaza, while many more lack adequate shelter, sanitation, and protection from the winter,” stated Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director.

The arrival of winter dramatically worsens living conditions in a region where thousands of displaced families remain in makeshift shelters, without warm clothing, blankets, or protection from the elements. These conditions are compounded by constant attacks by the Israeli military against civilians in Gaza.

Furthermore, heavy rains have already caused floods that sweep waste and sewage into populated areas, increasing the risk of disease spread, especially among the youngest.

According to UNICEF, two out of every three children under five consumed two or fewer of the eight recommended food groups during the week prior to a survey conducted in October, limiting themselves primarily to cereals, bread, or flour.

Meanwhile, animal-source foods remain inaccessible for most families, despite the recent entry of humanitarian aid that has reduced market prices and partially improved access to food.

Malnutrition and disease create a vicious cycle in Gaza: each condition accelerates and worsens the other. Low temperatures drastically increase the body's energy needs, putting malnourished children at grave risk of hypothermia, as they lack fat and muscle reserves.

Facing this emergency, UNICEF intensified its nutritional response, expanding from seven to 26 the treatment points for acute malnutrition in Gaza City, the epicenter of the famine declared in August. Since the fragile ceasefire, the organization has delivered more than 5,000 family tents, 247,000 waterproof tarps, 692,000 blankets, 50,500 mattresses, and 206,000 sets of winter clothing.

Distribution has even reached previously underserved areas, such as Jabalia in northern Gaza, where Israel destroyed almost all medical institutions and basic services are nearly non-existent. However, supplies are not being replenished quickly enough due to obstacles imposed by the Israeli government on the entry of aid, in violation of the ceasefire agreement.

Therefore, UNICEF demands the simultaneous opening of all crossings into the Gaza Strip, with simplified and expedited bureaucratic procedures, and the use of all viable routes—including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank—to facilitate the urgent, large-scale entry of vital supplies, including those previously denied or restricted.

“Too many children in Gaza continue to suffer from hunger, disease, and exposure to the cold, conditions that put their lives at risk. Every minute counts to protect these children,” concluded Russell.