Gaza City, Palestine – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning regarding rapidly escalating malnutrition rates in the Gaza Strip, with a sharp increase in related deaths reported in July. Out of 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025, a staggering 63 occurred in July alone, including 24 children under five, one child over five, and 38 adults. Many of these individuals were severely wasted and either died upon arrival at health facilities or shortly thereafter.
The WHO emphasized that this crisis is entirely preventable, attributing it to the deliberate blocking and delayed delivery of essential food, health, and humanitarian aid.
According to Nutrition Cluster partners, nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City are now acutely malnourished, with Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates tripling since June, making it the worst-hit area in the Gaza Strip. Khan Younis and the Middle Area have seen rates double in less than a month, and these figures are likely underestimated due to severe access and security constraints.
In the first two weeks of July, over 5,000 children under five were admitted for outpatient malnutrition treatment, with 18% suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form. This continues a significant rising trend since May, with June recording the highest number of admissions since October 2023 at 6,500 children.
The surge in cases is overwhelming the Gaza Strip’s only four specialized malnutrition treatment centers, which are operating beyond capacity, facing fuel shortages, and expected to run out of supplies by mid-August. An additional 73 children with SAM and medical complications were hospitalized in July, compared to 39 in June, bringing total inpatient admissions in 2025 to 263. Health workers are exhausted, and deteriorating water and sanitation systems are accelerating the spread of disease, creating a dangerous cycle of illness and death.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also severely affected, with recent screening data showing over 40% are severely malnourished. Rates have tripled in the Middle Area and doubled in Gaza City and Khan Younis since June. Beyond the direct impact of hunger, individuals are risking their lives in a desperate search for food, with more than 1,060 people killed and 7,200 injured while attempting to access food since May 27.
The WHO is calling for urgent and sustained efforts to flood the Gaza Strip with diverse, nutritious food and to expedite the delivery of therapeutic supplies for vulnerable groups, as well as essential medicines. The organization also reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and health, the release of detained colleagues and hostages, and an immediate ceasefire.
WHO/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
