Malnutrition in the Gaza Strip has reached crisis levels, with a sharp increase in deaths recorded in July 2025. Of the 74 total malnutrition-related deaths this year, 63 occurred in July alone. These included 24 children under five, one child over five, and 38 adults. Many of the deceased were already in critical condition or declared dead upon arrival at health facilities, showing signs of extreme wasting.
The escalation of the crisis is attributed to the obstruction and delay of essential food, health, and humanitarian aid. These disruptions have made the situation entirely preventable, yet deadly. Nutrition Cluster reports indicate that nearly 20% of children under five in Gaza City are acutely malnourished, with the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate tripling since June. Khan Younis and the Middle Area have also seen a rapid rise in malnutrition cases, though the actual numbers may be higher due to access and security challenges.
In the first two weeks of July alone, more than 5,000 children under five were admitted for outpatient treatment for malnutrition, 18% of whom had Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form. This continues a rising trend seen since May, with 6,500 children treated in June—the highest number since October 2023. July also saw 73 severely malnourished children with medical complications hospitalized, nearly doubling the previous month’s figure.
The growing number of critical cases is overwhelming Gaza’s already strained health system. The four specialized treatment centres for malnutrition are operating beyond their limits and facing fuel and supply shortages, with current stocks expected to run out by mid-August. The collapse of water and sanitation systems is worsening disease outbreaks, compounding the malnutrition crisis and placing further pressure on exhausted health workers.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also facing severe malnutrition, with over 40% found to be critically undernourished in recent screenings. The Middle Area has seen the most drastic rise, with rates tripling since June, while Gaza City and Khan Younis have also reported a doubling of cases among this vulnerable group.
The crisis is exacerbated by the perilous conditions families face in seeking food. Since May 27, more than 1,060 people have died and 7,200 have been injured while attempting to access food, highlighting the dangers
