Gaza malnutrition and starvation reach catastrophic levels, health ministry says
Malnutrition and starvation in Gaza have reached what the Palestinian Ministry of Health described as catastrophic levels, with the warning issued on World Food Day. The ministry said the crisis is unfolding despite a United States-brokered ceasefire that was intended in part to improve the flow of food and medical supplies into the Strip. It said the situation remains severe as winter approaches and food insecurity continues to affect a large share of the population.
Advert for a company owned by the publisher of 360LiveNews.
According to the ministry, about 67% of Gaza's population is projected to face crisis-level food insecurity or worse through the end of 2026. It said at least 466 Palestinians have died from malnutrition and starvation since 2024, including children who account for one-third of the deaths. The ministry also said elderly Palestinians made up the largest share of malnutrition-related deaths, with 189 fatalities, or 40.5% of the total.
The health ministry said 11% of older people went without a meal for an entire day, while 48% reduced their portions so their families could eat. It estimated that 74,200 children will require treatment for acute malnutrition through April 2027. The ministry also said anaemia among pregnant women rose to 61% in 2026, compared with 41% before the war began in October 2023, and that nearly 4,000 pregnancy losses were recorded in the first half of 2026.
The figures underline the continuing humanitarian strain in Gaza even after the ceasefire was meant to ease access for aid deliveries. The ministry's warning suggests that food insecurity is not only persisting but affecting groups already considered highly vulnerable, including children, older people and pregnant women. The scale of the reported deaths and projected treatment needs points to a crisis with long-term public health consequences.
Advert for a company owned by the publisher of 360LiveNews.
The United Nations children's agency said gains in addressing hunger in Gaza remain fragile. It warned that the situation could worsen if supplies entering the Strip are disrupted and urged that crossings remain open. A report published on Friday said scaled-up food and nutrition support, together with eased restrictions on food and nutrition supplies, helped avert a prolonged famine after it was declared in August 2025.
The ministry's statement and the UNICEF warning point to a broader question over whether current access arrangements are sufficient to prevent further deterioration. What remains unclear is how stable the supply flow will be in the coming weeks and whether the reported improvements can be sustained. The next developments to watch are the continuity of crossings, the volume of aid and commercial supplies entering Gaza, and whether malnutrition indicators begin to ease.
Sponsored
