Children's Nutritional Worsening in Gaza: UNICEF Report Reveals a Rising Nutritional Crisis for Children in Gaza
Gaza's Children in Crisis: A Dire Humanitarian Predicament
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, and it's the kids who are suffering the most. Malnutrition and poor hygiene conditions pose significant risks to these young souls, with the numbers skyrocketing in the recent months. In May 2025 alone, a staggering 5,119 children aged between six months and five years were treated for severe malnutrition - a 50% increase compared to the previous month. A horrifying 636 of these infants were battling severe acute malnutrition, the most extreme form of this condition, urgently needing life-saving care.
Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, painted a grim picture, stating, "In just 150 days, from the start of the year to the end of May, 16,736 children in Gaza were treated for malnutrition - an average of 112 children per day."
This vicious cycle of malnutrition and illness is relentless. "A poorly nourished child is more susceptible to severe illnesses like acute diarrhea. Conversely, acute and prolonged diarrhea exacerbates health conditions and leads to child malnutrition," UNICEF cautioned.
In this dire situation, UNICEF once again pleaded with all parties involved in the conflict to cease the violence, protect civilians, especially children, respect international humanitarian law, ensure immediate humanitarian assistance, and release all taken hostages in Israel.
The current conflict in Gaza sparked on October 7, 2023, with attacks from Hamas and other extremists on Israel. This intensified fighting between Israel and Hamas ever since.
Now, let's delve deeper into the root causes and the magnitude of the crisis plaguing the young lives in Gaza.
The Urgency of Humanitarian Needs
First and foremost, Gaza is grappling with a critical shortage of essential services. Over 40,000 children have lost access to critical services due to the suspension of 50 child protection centers since mid-March 2025. This calamity poses a significant threat to the safety and well-being of these innocent children [4].
Moreover, the scarcity of clean water and nutritious food compounds the problem. UNICEF has been diligently delivering clean water and other essential supplies through more than 400 distribution points during truces in early 2025, indicating the desperate need for these fundamental life-saving resources [5].
Lastly, the demand for medical services and emergency healthcare has soared, with the Gaza Ministry of Health reporting alarmingly high numbers of casualties and injuries among the population, including children [2][3].
The Causes of Malnutrition Among Children
The root causes behind the skyrocketing malnutrition cases in Gaza are multifaceted and interrelated. The prolonged conflict since October 2023 has devastated the infrastructure, limited food and water access, and strained the healthcare system all contributing to child malnutrition.
The blockade and conflict-induced restrictions make nutritious food less accessible and more expensive, worsening food insecurity. Moreover, the suspension of child protection centers and health services limits nutritional screening and treatment programs, further aggravating malnutrition risks among children [4].
The direct impact of violence, with its high casualty rates and injuries, diverts resources away from nutritional support and child welfare, exacerbating the challenges faced by these innocent victims [2][3].
Statistics on Child Malnutrition
More than 5,000 children were diagnosed with malnutrition in the Gaza Strip in May 2025, highlighting the catastrophic scale of this crisis and the urgent need for intervention [1].
The dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza has significantly affected the health-and-wellness of its children, with a surge in malnutrition cases. The numbers of malnourished children rose by 50% in May 2025, with science and nutrition playing crucial roles in addressing this health predicament.
The UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa clearly stated the urgency, as 16,736 children were treated for malnutrition between January and the end of May 2025, highlighting the need for immediate action. The conflict's impact on infrastructure, food and water access, and healthcare services contributes to the rising malnutrition among Gaza's children.
