The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported Tuesday that thousands of children in Gaza have been hospitalized for acute malnutrition since the ceasefire in October.
According to UNICEF data, 9,300 children under five received treatment for severe acute malnutrition in October, down from a peak of 14,363 in August but still alarmingly high compared to the short February–March ceasefire earlier this year.
UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram, speaking at a press briefing in Geneva, emphasized that the situation remains dire.
She further noted that 8,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women were treated for acute malnutrition in October, averaging 270 cases daily.
|Born vulnerable: the toll of maternal malnutrition and stress in Gaza – UNICEF|
This marks a dramatic shift in Gaza, where no cases of maternal malnutrition were recorded before October 2023.
Ingram criticized the obstacles imposed by Israeli authorities, which prevent the entry of essential medical supplies into Gaza, and urged the immediate opening of Rafah crossing to humanitarian aid.
- UNICEF official press release – Nov 28, 2025
- Reuters coverage – Dec 9, 2025
- The Independent – Dec 9, 2025
References
Shockingly high’ number of Gaza children still acutely malnourished after truce, UN says. https://www.aol.com/articles/shockingly-high-number-gaza-children-114642138.html
UNICEF gives concerning update on malnutrition rates in Gaza. https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/gaza-malnutrition-update-unicef-b2880898.html
Malnutrition persists as winter sets in, threatening children … – UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/malnutrition-persists-winter-sets-threatening-childrens-lives-and-wellbeing-gaza
Malnutrition persists as winter sets in, threatening children’s lives …. https://www.unicefusa.org/press/malnutrition-persists-winter-sets-threatening-childrens-lives-and-wellbeing-gaza
Nearly 9,300 Gaza Children Suffer Acute Malnutrition in October, UNICEF Reports. https://www.palestinechronicle.com/nearly-9300-gaza-children-suffer-acute-malnutrition-in-october-unicef-reports/
