Daily admittance of malnourished children at a hospital in Gaza, amidst Netanyahu's denial of widespread hunger
In the embattled region of Gaza, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with malnutrition rates skyrocketing and famine officially confirmed for the first time. The surge in malnutrition cases, particularly among children under five, has resulted in high numbers of deaths and a dire situation that threatens the lives of thousands.
According to recent reports, nearly 20% of children under five in Gaza City are acutely malnourished, with triple the rate of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) since June 2025. Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form, accounts for roughly 18-22% of child malnutrition cases admitted for treatment.
In July 2025 alone, over 12,000 children were identified as acutely malnourished, the highest monthly figure recorded. By mid-2026, the number of children under severe risk of death from malnutrition is expected to rise to over 43,000, tripling since May 2025. Malnutrition-related deaths in 2025 have sharply increased, with at least 110 children dying from malnutrition complications as of mid-August.
Contributing factors to this crisis include deliberate blocking and delays of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid entering Gaza amid ongoing conflict and Israeli restrictions on aid organizations. Severe damage to agriculture and loss of local food production, as well as displacement of 90% of the population, skyrocketing food prices, fuel shortages, and disruption of essential services, have also played significant roles.
Efforts to address malnutrition include humanitarian organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) providing nutrition treatment, clean water, sanitation, and child protection services where possible. Nutrition Cluster partners are currently treating thousands of malnourished children as outpatients, though access remains severely constrained.
However, Israeli authorities have imposed severe restrictions on humanitarian operations, including blocking aid trucks and introducing restrictive NGO registration rules, further impeding effective assistance delivery.
One heart-wrenching case is that of Ro'a Mashi, a 2.5-year-old girl who died in Gaza's Nasser Hospital due to severe malnutrition. Ro'a had no preexisting conditions and her family struggled to find food and treatment. Her mother, Fatma Mashi, noticed her daughter losing weight last year but thought it was due to teething. The family was displaced multiple times by Israeli military operations, which interrupted her treatment and reduced the family to one meal a day.
Another case is Shamm Qudeih, a 2-year-old girl who was severely malnourished and weighed 4 kilograms (9 pounds), a third of a 2-year-old's normal weight. Shamm's family applied for medical evacuation a year ago and was added to a list of thousands needing urgent treatment abroad. Shamm received permission to leave Gaza and was headed to a hospital in Italy.
Recent developments have seen Israel allowing around triple the amount of food into Gaza in the past two weeks compared to the previous months. This influx of food has brought more food within reach for some of the population and lowered some prices in marketplaces.
Despite these efforts, food remains far more expensive than prewar levels and unaffordable for many in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there was no hunger or policy of starvation in Gaza. However, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned that starvation and malnutrition in Gaza are at the highest levels since the war began.
Alex DeWaal, executive director of the World Peace Foundation at Tufts University, stated that severely malnourished children require hospitalization and micronutrient replenishment before being fed. Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, the general director of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital, stated that the facility receives 10-20 children with severe malnutrition daily, and the numbers are increasing.
In the face of this crisis, international organizations are working tirelessly to provide emergency nutrition and essential services, but face significant operational challenges and access constraints, limiting the scale and impact of their interventions.
- The government is working on implementing workplace-wellness programs to combat chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions.
- Science has made significant strides in digestive health, leading to better treatments for various conditions.
- Eye-health is crucial to overall wellness, and regular check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment of problems.
- Hearing issues can affect mental health and productivity at work, making it important to prioritize hearing care.
- Health and wellness trends increasingly emphasize the importance of fitness and exercise for addressing various medical conditions.
- Sexual health is a vital aspect of personal health, with an increasing focus on preventative care and education.
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are complex medical conditions requiring ongoing therapies and treatments.
- Climate change poses significant threats to environmental science and public health, with rising temperatures and extreme weather events exacerbating health risks.
- Mental health, including depression and anxiety, has become a critical issue in today's fast-paced world, impacting productivity and overall wellness.
- Men's health matters, with increasing attention on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other issues unique to men.
- Skin care is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin, with various products and treatments available.
- Nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
- Aging can have significant impacts on health and wellness, with an increased risk of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.
- Women's health includes reproductive health, breast health, and pelvic health, among other crucial areas.
- Parenting is a critical, challenging, and rewarding aspect of life, with a focus on providing the best environment for children to thrive.
- Weight management is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing obesity and its related complications.
- Cardiovascular health is essential for long-term wellness, with factors such as diet and exercise playing crucial roles.
- Medicare is a critical program for providing health insurance to older adults and people with disabilities.
- CBD has been marketed as a potential treatment for various medical conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety.
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, can significantly impact quality of life and require ongoing therapies and treatments.
- Education and self-development are critical for personal growth and success in various areas, including career and relationships.
- Big wins in science and technology can lead to breakthroughs in areas like cancer treatment and climate change mitigation.
- War and conflicts have devastating impacts on public health, leading to malnutrition, disease, and displacement.
- Career development requires ongoing learning, planning, and networking to advance in one's chosen profession.
- Casinos and gambling can have negative impacts on mental health, financial stability, and relationships, making it important to practice responsible gambling.
- Casino games like poker, blackjack, and slot machines are popular forms of entertainment, with many believing they offer the chance to win big.
- Lotteries are a form of gambling that offer large cash prizes to lucky winners.
- Las Vegas is known as the entertainment capital of the world, with a bustling casino scene and numerous shows and attractions.
- Gambling trends, such as the rise of online gambling and sports betting, continue to shape the industry.
- Casino personalities, such as Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson, have had significant impacts on the gambling industry and the Las Vegas skyline.
