The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a grave warning about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting a sharp rise in deaths caused by hunger and malnutrition amid the ongoing Israeli blockade and severe obstacles to delivering aid.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the urgency of the situation. “Malnutrition is widespread and hunger-related deaths are rising,” he said, describing the trend as “a serious concern for the international community.”
So far in 2025, WHO reports that 99 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza, including 29 children under five years old. Dr Tedros noted these figures are likely underreported due to the dire circumstances on the ground.
The organisation further revealed that July saw nearly 12,000 children under five suffering from acute malnutrition in Gaza — the highest monthly total ever recorded. These children face a significantly heightened risk of death or lasting health complications.
WHO attributed the worsening health crisis to strict Israeli restrictions on food and medical supply entries, which have crippled Gaza’s already fragile health system. Severe shortages of medicines and essential medical equipment have pushed healthcare facilities to the brink of collapse.
In response, the World Health Organisation has called for the immediate reopening of border crossings and unhindered humanitarian access, stressing that urgent international action is essential to save civilian lives in Gaza.
