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UN: 92% of Infants in Gaza Deprived of Basic Nutrition
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that due to the blockade and strikes in Gaza, 92% of infants lack basic nutrition, and 65% of the population lacks access to clean drinking water.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has published a report on the rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. According to the data presented, 92% of Palestinian infants currently lack access to basic nutrition. This figure was recorded amid the ongoing blockade and closure of border crossings, as well as regular airstrikes and artillery shelling on the enclave's territory.
The report states that the sharp decline occurred during March and April of this year. During this period, the level of child hunger increased by 80%. According to OCHA, such rates represent a critical threat to the survival and development of young children. It notes that supply chain disruptions and the destruction of logistics infrastructure have completely paralyzed the delivery of baby food and humanitarian supplies.
UN agency staff emphasize the serious long-term consequences for infant health. Malnutrition in early childhood affects brain development, the immune system, and other vital functions. In the absence of infant formula, vitamins, and protein-rich food, children are at high risk of death even from minor infectious diseases.
In addition to nutrition problems, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is accompanied by an acute shortage of clean water. According to the same report, about 65% of the enclave’s residents do not have access to safe drinking water. This is due to the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure from the strikes, as well as fuel and electricity shortages necessary to operate treatment facilities.
Systematic border closures hinder the import of equipment and materials needed to repair the water supply. The report states that some areas, especially in the northern part of Gaza, are completely cut off from centralized water systems. Residents are forced to use contaminated water sources, increasing cases of waterborne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, and viral hepatitis.
OCHA calls for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Experts estimate that urgent deliveries of food, medical aid, and drinking water are needed. The report emphasizes that the current level of aid is insufficient to meet the population’s needs and, if the situation does not change, child and infant mortality rates will continue to rise.
The organization stresses that ensuring the rights to food, water, and medical assistance is an obligation for all parties to the conflict under international humanitarian law. Violations of these norms entail accountability, including the possibility of international investigation.
The report also provides data on the disruption of medical facilities. Due to the lack of nutrition and water, hospitals are unable to provide proper care for newborns and children with acute infections. Medical staff report that in some cases, children arrive at hospitals in extreme states of exhaustion and do not survive until treatment begins.
Monitoring missions have also recorded an increase in premature births and infant mortality. Women in the conflict zone face a lack of prenatal and postnatal care. This further worsens the overall statistics, indicating the collapse of the healthcare system in Gaza.
The UN and partner humanitarian organizations continue to focus efforts on drawing attention to the humanitarian catastrophe. However, the lack of guaranteed corridors and restrictions on the import of aid prevent full-scale delivery of supplies.
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