UN Report Warns Child Malnutrition Rising in Gaza as EU Demands Israel Do More on Aid

Child malnutrition in Gaza is rising sharply, according to a United Nations study, as the European Union warned Thursday it could take action against Israel if the flow of humanitarian aid does not increase.

A report published by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that of 56,440 children under the age of five screened in Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City during the first two weeks of July, nearly 5,000 were found to be suffering from severe malnutrition.

That figure represents nearly 9% of those examined, compared to 6% a month prior. In February, during an Israel-Hamas ceasefire when more aid was entering Gaza, the figure was just 2.4%.

A European Commission spokesperson stated that despite some Israeli steps, the situation remains dire. "All options remain on the table if Israel does not deliver on its aid agreement," the EU said.

Israel denies famine allegations and insists it provides access to aid, sharing images of trucks at Gaza crossings. The UN counters that delivery conditions remain too dangerous to distribute supplies effectively.

The report emphasized, "Only a massive scale-up in food aid distributions can stabilize the situation and rebuild trust." It added that Gazan families often survive on a single poor-quality meal per day, with some going days without food.

(TOI/VFI News)

“Lord, we ask for Your divine intervention in Gaza—bring provision to the suffering, soften hardened hearts, and let justice and mercy prevail amid conflict and need. We pray that the aid that is being delivered will reach the people who need it and that Hamas will not be able to get its hands on it. We also pray that any attempt by Hamas to vilify Israel and make it seem as if the starvation in Gaza is Israel’s fault will be refuted. Let the truth shine forth. In Yeshua’s name we pray.”