A recent ceasefire proposal has sparked optimism for increased aid in Gaza, yet a significant hunger crisis persists. A study by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees revealed that over 54,600 children under five in the Gaza Strip are severely malnourished. The research, published in The Lancet medical journal, focused on children aged six months to five years, using upper-arm measurements to identify cases of “acute wasting,” the most severe form of malnutrition requiring urgent intervention.
Children with arm circumferences below 125 millimeters were enrolled in UNRWA’s feeding program. The study, conducted between January 2024 and August 2025, involved over 219,000 children across health centers in the region. Dr. Masako Horino, the lead author, highlighted the dire situation, attributing it to prolonged conflict and restricted humanitarian access.
Notably, 15.8% of children screened were experiencing acute wasting in August 2025. Experts, including Dr. Prabhat Jha, expressed shock at the fluctuating malnutrition rates tied to aid availability. External commentators emphasized the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support in Gaza.
Despite reports denying the severity of hunger, Gaza’s health ministry confirmed hundreds of malnutrition-related deaths, with hospitals overwhelmed by cases. International authorities recognized famine conditions in Gaza City and warned of its spread. Challenges in data collection during the conflict were acknowledged, with concerns raised about the representativeness of the study sample.
As efforts for peace progress, the long-term impacts of malnutrition on Gaza’s youth remain a significant concern. Addressing acute malnutrition requires continuous access to food and medical care, with potential consequences on children’s future health and educational outcomes.
