UN Reports Malnutrion Cases in Gaza Increase up to 300 percent

Gaza, VIVA – The United Nations (UN) has reported a more than 300 percent increase in malnutrition levels among children in northern Gaza as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave deepens.

“Our partners are now reporting a surge in malnutrition levels. They noted a more than 300 percent increase in July — when more than 650 cases of acute malnutrition were diagnosed — compared to May, when 145 such cases were detected,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said at a press briefing on Monday, as quoted from Palestinechronicle site.

He explained the nutrition conditions are worsening due to access constraints, shortages in essential supplies, limited availability of fresh produce and meat, poor water and sanitation services, and spreading diseases.

“For example, acute supply shortages meant that just 8 percent of the nearly 50,000 children whom our partners had been aiming to reach in northern Gaza were able to receive those supplies last month,” the spokesman said.

Citing the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Haq said Israel’s bombardment of the enclave continues to kill, injure and displace Palestinians – as well as damage and destroy the homes and infrastructure they rely on.

“In just the past 48 hours, three schools sheltering displaced people in Gaza City were reportedly hit, resulting in dozens of casualties,” he remarked.

Haq drew attention to the new evacuation order for Palestinians living in areas of southern Khan Yunis and northern Rafah to immediately move westwards to Al Mawasi.

“Our partners tracking population movements in Gaza estimate that more than 11,000 people had been living in these areas affected by this evacuation order,” he stressed.

The UN called for all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects.

"This includes allowing civilians to leave for safer areas and allowing their return as soon as circumstances allow. People must be able to receive humanitarian assistance, whether they move or stay,” he said.

He also mentioned that a new analysis by the UN Satellite Centre found that, as of a month ago, 63 percent of the structures in Gaza had been damaged.