In a devastating escalation of the Gaza malnutrition crisis, nearly half of all nutrition centres in and around Gaza City have been forced to shut down amid ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hamas. The closures are severely hampering humanitarian efforts to treat famine victims and provide life-saving support to children and families.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the shuttering of these centres comes just one month after famine was officially declared in northern Gaza. The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with the Ministry of Health reporting 162 deaths due to starvation and malnutrition—including 32 children.

Humanitarian Access Blocked

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that Israeli restrictions continue to obstruct aid delivery. Of 12 humanitarian missions coordinated with Israeli authorities on Monday, only seven were facilitated. Two missions to retrieve food cargo were denied, further exacerbating the Gaza malnutrition crisis.

Civilians Fleeing, Sleeping on Rubble

Thousands of Palestinian families are fleeing Gaza City via the overcrowded al-Rashid Street, facing soaring travel costs and a severe lack of transportation. Many are now sheltering in tents along the beach, school buildings, or sleeping in the open on the rubble of destroyed homes.

Health System on the Brink

Hospitals are overwhelmed, and blood supplies are critically low. The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent call for blood donations to support emergency care. Civil Defence teams have conducted over 50 rescue and recovery missions in the past 10 days, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian emergency.

Global Call for Protection

The UN reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, emphasizing that no civilian should ever be targeted. As the Gaza malnutrition crisis intensifies, international pressure is mounting for unrestricted humanitarian access and immediate ceasefire.