News Center_Famine indicators in Gaza are worsening as malnutrition spreads among children, amid the collapse of the food and healthcare system, rising wasting rates, and deficiencies in essential nutrients_ posing a life-threatening risk to children and their future in the besieged Strip.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humannitarian Affairs(OCHA)stated yesterday, Monday, August 24, that civilians, including children, continue to be killed and injured in Gaza and the West Bank, noting reports of several people killed in airstrikes on Gaza over the past two days.

The UN office explained that an airstrike yesterday damaged three UN warehouses in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General renewed the UN's repeated calls for the protection of civilians and civilians and civilian infrastructure and that they should never be targeted. 

Chronic Malnutrition

UNICEF released the findings of a new survey highlighting the impact of the ongoing conflict on children and mothers, and the chronic malnutrition, poor diets, and childhood illnesses facing families.The study was conducted between May 31 and June 15, following the wide expansion fo humanitarian aid after the ceasefire was declared in October 2025.

The study found that actue malnutrition rates among children in accessible areas remain relatively low, but the overall long-term picture remains extremely concerning.

the results indicate that chronic malnutrition (stunting)_as an indicator of impaired growth and the accumulation of nutritional and health conditions over time-affects 12.2% of Palestinian children under five. Overweight prevalence stands at 4% reflecting that stunting, wasting, and overweight together indicate poor diet quality, not just a lack of available food.

Approximately 73%of children aged 6 to 23 months in Gaza consumed unhyealthy foods, while only 22.4% received the minimum acceptable diet.

The UN spokesperson said that behind these numbers are children who are not receiving the diverse, nutritious food they need to grow and stay healthy. He called for the sustained and unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including fuel, and the continued funding of nutrition, health, water, and sanitation services, as well as the opening of commercial markets, so that children and families can access the food and essential services they need to prevent further deterioration.