The UN reported a sharp increase in malnutrition cases among children in northern Gaza on Monday, as the humanitarian crisis worsens.
“Last month, our partners noted a significant rise in malnutrition cases among children in northern Gaza, with over 650 cases of acute malnutrition diagnosed in July, compared to 145 in May – an increase of more than 300%,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said during a news conference.
Haq attributed the deteriorating nutritional conditions to restricted access, shortages of essential supplies, limited availability of fresh produce and meat, poor water and sanitation services, and spreading diseases.
Referring to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Haq noted that the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues to “kill, injure, and displace Palestinians.”
“In the past 48 hours alone, three schools sheltering displaced people in Gaza City were reportedly hit, causing dozens of casualties,” Haq reported.
He also mentioned Israel’s recent evacuation orders from southern areas of Khan Younis and northern Rafah, urging “all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian objects.”
“Furthermore, a new analysis by the UN Satellite Centre found that, as of a month ago, 63% of the structures in Gaza had been damaged,” Haq added.
