According to UN´s figures, one in six under-two-year-old in northern Gaza faces acute malnutrition while nearly 3% is severely wasted, putting their lives at greater risk and the possibility of medical complications and death unless they receive urgent treatment.

The Nutritional Situation and Vulnerability Analysis in Gaza report states that prior to the outbreak of hostilities in October, wasting in the Gaza Strip was rare, barely recorded in 0.8% of children under five years of age.

“The 15.6% rate of wasting among children under 2 in northern Gaza suggests a serious and rapid decline,” warned the UN text. Such a decline in the nutritional status of a population in three months is unprecedented worldwide, the study confirmed.

However, current statistics could be worse, as data were collected in January.

The report confirmed that following similar examinations south of the Strip, in Rafah, 5% of children under the age of two are acutely malnourished.

“This is clear evidence that humanitarian access is necessary and can help prevent the worst outcomes,” the document added as it stressed calls to protect that demarcation from the threat of intensified military operations by Israeli forces.

90% of children under the age of two and 95% of pregnant and lactating women face severe food poverty – with two or fewer food groups the day before – while the food they have access to is of the lowest nutritional value.

95% of households are limiting meals and portion sizes, and 64 percent of families eat only one meal a day.

Meanwhile, over 95% restricted the amount of food received by adults to ensure that young children are fed.

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