The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised urgent alarms over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reporting a sharp increase in deaths caused by hunger and malnutrition under the ongoing Israeli blockade. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that malnutrition is now widespread, with hunger-related fatalities steadily climbing, a situation deeply troubling the international community.

Data from WHO reveals that nearly 12,000 children under five suffered from severe acute malnutrition in July alone, facing a heightened risk of death or lasting health problems. The organization warned that strict restrictions on food and medical aid imports have exacerbated the region’s health emergency, with Gaza’s healthcare system teetering on collapse due to critical shortages of medicines and essential supplies.

The WHO called for the immediate and unrestricted reopening of Gaza’s border crossings to allow vital humanitarian assistance to reach civilians without delay, stressing that swift international intervention is essential to save lives and prevent further catastrophe.