Famine Looms in Gaza

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) indicated today, Saturday, that "one in three children under the age of two in northern Gaza suffers from malnutrition." UNRWA added that "malnutrition is spreading rapidly among children, reaching unprecedented levels in Gaza," noting that "famine looms on the horizon." According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, malnutrition levels among children in northern Gaza are extremely high, with reports indicating that at least 23 children have died due to malnutrition and dehydration in northern Gaza. The United Nations had previously warned that "the alarming food shortage, rampant malnutrition, and the rapid spread of diseases are factors that could lead to an 'explosion' in the number of child fatalities in the Gaza Strip." United Nations agencies stated that food and clean water have become "very scarce" in the besieged Palestinian territory, and almost all young children are suffering from infectious diseases.