Despite the ceasefire plan offering hope for increased aid in Gaza, there is still a significant level of hunger present. A recent study by researchers from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) revealed that over 54,600 children under the age of five in the Gaza strip are severely malnourished. The study, published in the Lancet medical journal, utilized upper-arm measurements to identify cases of “acute wasting,” the most critical stage of malnutrition requiring urgent intervention.
Children with arm measurements below 125 millimeters were enrolled in UNRWA’s feeding program. Severe malnutrition not only results in extreme thinness but also weakens the immune system, leading to developmental delays and susceptibility to diseases, as per Unicef.
Conducted between January 2024 and August 2025, the study involved over 219,000 children at various health facilities in the region. Dr. Masako Horino, the lead author of the study, emphasized the alarming impact of prolonged conflict and limited humanitarian aid, stating that many preschool-aged children in Gaza are now facing preventable malnutrition and increased mortality risks.
As of August 2025, approximately 15.8% of screened children were suffering from acute wasting, according to UNRWA. The research highlighted a direct link between malnutrition levels and the intensity of conflict and blockades, showing a decrease during temporary ceasefires.
Dr. Prabhat Jha, a global health professor, expressed shock at the study’s findings, emphasizing the fluctuation of malnutrition rates based on the availability of food aid in Gaza. Three experts in child health, nutrition, and public policy, not involved in the research, emphasized the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance to address the dire malnutrition crisis.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports of starvation in Gaza, health ministry data indicates that hundreds, including children, have died from malnutrition-related complications since the conflict began. The situation has overwhelmed hospitals, with a severe shortage of therapeutic foods exacerbating the crisis.
In a concerning development, famine conditions have been declared in Gaza City, with fears of spreading to other areas. The challenges in obtaining accurate data due to the ongoing conflict were acknowledged by the study authors, noting limitations in sample representativeness and measurement methods.
Despite the ceasefire, the long-term effects of malnutrition remain a significant concern, impacting children’s health and future prospects. The study underscores the urgent need for sustained support to address the enduring health challenges faced by children in Gaza.
