More than 9,000 children treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year, says Unicef

 

Palestinian children by a food distribution truck in Gaza in Thursday
Photo by Omar Al-Qattaa

More than 9,000 children treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year, says Unicef

The UN humanitarian aid organisation for children, Unicef, says more than 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year, and food security experts say tens of thousands of cases are expected in the coming year, reports the Associated Press (AP).

Experts also warn the territory could plunge into famine if Israel does not stop its military campaign and fully lift its blockade – but the World Health Organization said last week that people are already starving.

Unicef says more than 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year, and food security experts say tens of thousands of cases are expected in the coming year. Photograph: Mohammed Saber/EPA

“Everywhere you look, people are hungry … They point their fingers to their mouths showing that [they] need something to eat,” said Nestor Owomuhangi, the representative of the United Nations Population Fund for the Palestinian territories. “The worst has already arrived in Gaza.”

“Children are already dying from malnutrition and there are more babies in Gaza now who will be in mortal danger if they don’t get fast access to the nutrition supplies needed to save their lives,” said Tess Ingram of Unicef.

THE GUARDIAN