Gaza Children Dying from Starvation as Malnutrition Crisis Deepens, Warns UNICEF.
Amman:
UNICEF has issued a stark and urgent warning that children in the Gaza Strip are “starving to death,” as severe malnutrition rapidly spreads amid ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access. In a powerful statement, the UN children’s agency called the worsening situation “unconscionable” and emphasized that these deaths are preventable.
Since April 2025, the number of reported child deaths from malnutrition in Gaza has surged from 52 to 80 — a staggering 54% increase in less than three months — according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. In just 48 hours, at least four additional children reportedly succumbed to starvation. In total, over 100 people are believed to have died from malnutrition during the current conflict, with children accounting for 80% of those fatalities.
“These deaths are unconscionable – and could have been prevented,” said UNICEF, stressing the need for immediate, unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas. The agency emphasized that only a fully functioning UN-led humanitarian response can address the dire situation.
UNICEF also highlighted alarming statistics related to child malnutrition treatment admissions. In June 2025 alone, 6,500 children in Gaza were admitted for malnutrition treatment – the highest number since the war began. July is already showing an even more concerning trend, with 5,000 children treated in just the first two weeks. In Gaza City specifically, the rate of children diagnosed with acute malnutrition has quadrupled since February.
The crisis is exacerbated by damage to health infrastructure, lack of clean water, blocked aid convoys, and restricted access to fuel, which is essential to operate hospitals, food distribution centers, and water desalination plants. UNICEF stated that despite ongoing efforts, they and their partners cannot keep pace with the scale of the emergency without a consistent and sufficient flow of humanitarian and commercial supplies.
“Fuel must enter in sufficient quantities that allow life-saving services to function. Children must be protected – not killed, and not left to starve,” UNICEF said.
The agency reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages, stating that these steps are critical to ensuring the safety and survival of Gaza’s children.
UNICEF’s plea adds to growing international concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where families are trapped without food, clean water, or medical aid amid continuous hostilities. The agency concluded by emphasizing that children have the right to live in dignity and peace and must be urgently prioritized in all efforts to end the suffering.
UNICEF and its partners remain on the ground, continuing screening, treatment, and support efforts, but warned that without immediate and unfettered access, the situation is likely to spiral further, leading to more preventable deaths in the coming weeks.
