The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a new level of urgency, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that at least 154 people, including 89 children, have died of malnutrition, the majority in recent weeks, Al Jazeera is reporting. The sharp increase in hunger-related deaths comes amid severe shortages of food and medical supplies, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that a full-scale famine scenario is unfolding. “This is really a critical situation,” said Marina Adrianopoli, WHO’s nutrition lead for the Gaza response. “All the key supplies for the treatment of severe acu

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a new level of urgency, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that at least 154 people, including 89 children, have died of malnutrition, the majority in recent weeks,

Al Jazeera

is reporting. The sharp increase in hunger-related deaths comes amid severe shortages of food and medical supplies, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that a full-scale famine scenario is unfolding. “This is really a critical situation,” said Marina Adrianopoli, WHO’s nutrition lead for the Gaza response. “All the key supplies for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition, including medical complications, are really running out.” As food stocks dwindled through June and July, images of emaciated children from the besieged territory have drawn international alarm. Health experts say children — especially infants and those with existing health issues — are at the highest risk. “Children with underlying conditions are more vulnerable. They get affected earlier,” explained Marko Kerac, clinical associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who contributed to the WHO’s guidelines on treating severe acute malnutrition. He emphasized the critical need for therapeutic baby formulas and clean water, both of which are in dangerously short supply.

A malnourished two-year-old Palestinian boy, sits with his brothers at their family's damaged home in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, on July 23, 2025 [Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Al Jazeera]

In response to the worsening health crisis, the Gaza Health Ministry has issued an urgent public appeal for residents to protect a convoy of six medical trucks expected to enter the enclave on Thursday through the World Health Organization. “These items are of great importance and urgent need to continue providing medical care to the wounded and sick and save lives,” the ministry said in a statement. It called on “honourable citizens, all dignitaries, families, and relevant parties to make every effort to protect the convoy” and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential supplies to overwhelmed hospitals, amid growing reports of looting and chaos due to mass starvation.

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