Malnutrition is on the rise in Gaza, according to medics and aid workers in the war-torn Palestinian territory. As the total Israeli blockade of all supplies enters its fourth week and the death toll from the conflict surpasses 50,000, reports indicate no sign of Israel easing its grip on essential aid or ending its new military operation in Gaza. This operation began on Tuesday, with airstrikes resulting in 400 deaths, mostly civilians, breaking two months of relative calm. By Sunday, the total death toll from nearly 18 months of conflict had crossed 50,000.

The ongoing conflict has taken a severe toll on local resources. Six out of 23 bakeries run by the UN World Food Programme have ceased operations due to cooking gas shortages, and UNRWA’s flour stock will only last for six days of distribution. This scarcity has led to inflated prices, with the cost of potatoes five times higher and cooking gas four times more expensive than before the conflict escalated.

Healthcare professionals in Gaza report visible signs of malnutrition among the population. Medical conditions and the healing of surgical incisions are being affected by widespread weight loss and poor nutrition. The situation is worsened by continuous displacement and unpredictable security conditions, making it difficult for aid organizations to operate effectively. Israel has been facing criticism over its military strategies and the treatment of Palestinians, with mass protests erupting both inside and outside of Israel in response to the government’s policies, including potential legal violations in its proposal to depopulate Gaza. Meanwhile, the fate of Hamas hostages has become a pressing issue, with calls for their release to take precedence over military actions.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/23/israel-gaza-war-malnutrition-alert-israeli-blockade