Malnutrition in the Gaza Strip has reached a dangerous trajectory, with 63 of the year’s 74 malnutrition-related deaths occurring in July alone, according to WHO data.
The July fatalities included 24 children under five, one child over five, and 38 adults. Most were declared dead on arrival at health facilities or died shortly after, their bodies showing clear signs of severe wasting.
Nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City is now acutely malnourished, as reported by Nutrition Cluster partners.
Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates have tripled since June in Gaza City, making it the worst-affected area in the Gaza Strip. In Khan Younis and the Middle Area, rates have doubled in less than one month.
Over 5,000 children under five have been admitted for outpatient malnutrition treatment in the first two weeks of July, with 18% suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form.
This continues a rising trend since May, with 6,500 children admitted for treatment in June – the highest number recorded since October 2023.
An additional 73 children with SAM and medical complications were hospitalised in July, compared to 39 in June, bringing total inpatient admissions in 2025 to 263.
The surge is overwhelming the four specialised malnutrition treatment centres in Gaza, pushing the fragile health system closer to collapse.
All four centres are operating beyond capacity and running low on fuel, with supplies expected to run out by mid-next month. Health workers are exhausted, and the breakdown of water and sanitation systems is accelerating disease spread.
The crisis is severely affecting pregnant and breastfeeding women, with recent Nutrition Cluster screening showing over 40% are severely malnourished. Rates have tripled in the Middle Area compared to June, and doubled in Gaza City and Khan Younis.
Since 27 May, more than 1,060 people have been killed and 7,200 injured whilst trying to access food, often under dangerous and chaotic conditions.
The World Health Organisation calls the crisis “entirely preventable” and attributes it to “deliberate blocking and delay of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid”.
WHO calls for urgent efforts to flood Gaza with diverse, nutritious food and expedite delivery of therapeutic supplies, alongside an immediate ceasefire and release of hostages.
Experts, governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organisations have accused Israel of carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people.
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