55K Gaza preschoolers acutely malnourished: study
Study links Israeli aid restrictions to malnutrition in Gaza children.
Why it matters
- Study shows clear link between Israeli aid restrictions and child malnutrition.
- Highlights humanitarian crisis affecting tens of thousands of children.
By the numbers
- Almost 55,000 children under six acutely malnourished.
- Study screened 220,000 children aged six months to five years.
- Prevalence of wasting increased from 5% in Jan 2024 to nearly 16% by Aug 2025.
The big picture
- Two years of war and aid restrictions led to severe malnutrition.
- First major study to document extent of malnutrition in Gaza children.
- Experts warn of long-term health effects and increased mortality risk.
What they're saying
- UNRWA health director calls for end to hostilities and unimpeded aid.
- Child health experts praise study for revealing preventable harm to children.
- Israel denies blame, citing adequate food supply and ineffective aid agencies.
Caveats
- Study conducted by UNRWA, which faces allegations of bias and misconduct.
- Some skepticism about evidence and study findings.
What’s next
- Urgent need for humanitarian aid and ceasefire.
- Continued monitoring and research on long-term health effects.
- International response to address crisis.