The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an urgent warning Sunday about the dramatic increase in malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza, revealing that July alone has recorded the highest monthly death toll since the beginning of 2025. This comes as the healthcare system nears total collapse, with severe shortages of food and medicine crippling the besieged enclave.

Key Findings from WHO's Report:

1. Deadly July Surge:

   • 63 of the 74 malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025 occurred in July, including 24 children under five and 38 adults.

   • Most victims died before or shortly after reaching health facilities, suffering from severe wasting.

2. Tripled Malnutrition Rates in Less Than a Month:

   • Acute malnutrition cases have tripled since June, with actual numbers likely far higher due to restricted access and reporting challenges.

   • 1 in 5 children under five in Gaza City now suffers from acute malnutrition.

   • The Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rate (measuring severe malnutrition in children aged 6–59 months) has tripled since June, making Gaza City the worst-affected area, followed by Khan Younis.

3. Overwhelmed Healthcare System:

   • More than 5,000 children under five were admitted for malnutrition treatment in just the first two weeks of July—18% with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form.

   • Gaza’s four remaining malnutrition treatment centers are operating beyond capacity and risk running out of fuel and supplies by mid-August.

4. Collapsing Water and Sanitation:

   • Broken sewage systems and contaminated water are accelerating disease outbreaks, further endangering malnourished populations.

5. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Crisis:

   • Over 40% now suffer from acute malnutrition, with conditions in central Gaza deteriorating threefold since June.

6. "Searching for Food Has Become Deadly":

   • Since May 27, 1,060 people have been killed and 7,200 injured while attempting to access food aid.

WHO’s Condemnation and Calls to Action:

• "This entirely preventable catastrophe is a direct result of the blockade and deliberate delays in food, medical, and humanitarian aid," stated WHO, emphasizing that "every life lost to malnutrition is a political failure."

• Urgent demands include:

  • Immediate, sustained international intervention to deliver diverse, nutritious food and life-saving medical supplies.

  • Unrestricted, regular aid flow into Gaza, with protection for civilians and health workers.

  • The release of a WHO staff member detained by occupation forces.

Quotes from WHO Officials:

*"Children are dying from starvation in 2025—not from natural disasters, but from man-made restrictions. The world cannot look away while Gaza is turned into a mass grave for malnutrition."*

"We need fuel, antibiotics, and therapeutic food yesterday. Every hour of delay costs lives."