A new study published in The Lancet estimates that almost 55,000 children under six years old in Gaza are acutely malnourished, far exceeding previously identified cases. The research, led by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), provides a month-by-month analysis linking Israeli restrictions on aid to rising malnutrition levels.
The study found that wasting among children aged six months to five years rose from 5% in January 2024 to nearly 9% by mid-2024. After Israel imposed severe aid restrictions in late 2024, wasting nearly doubled by January 2025. A six-week ceasefire allowed some improvement, but an 11-week blockade in March 2025 pushed wasting rates to nearly 16%, with a quarter of those cases being severe acute malnutrition.
Researchers estimate that over 54,600 children now require emergency nutrition and medical care, including 12,800 with severe wasting. The study is the first to clearly demonstrate a link between Israeli aid restrictions and child malnutrition. Israel has denied blame, citing adequate food supplies and accusing Hamas of looting aid, though no significant evidence of theft has been provided.
Dr Akihiro Seita, UNRWA health director and study co-author, warned that more children will die without an end to hostilities and unimpeded humanitarian services. The study comes amid cautious optimism over indirect talks in Egypt, where a 21-point plan proposed by Donald Trump calls for a ceasefire, hostage return, and increased aid access.
