Three-quarters of Gaza’s children are suffering from malnutrition – with virtually no families left food secure

New data released by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) shows that children in the Gaza Strip are facing “extremely dangerous” humanitarian conditions, with Israeli military operations continuing for the second consecutive year and an accompanying severe shortage of food, medicine, and psychological care.

Growing hunger and widespread malnutrition among Gaza’s children, says IRC

A rapid needs assessment, which covered 469 displaced families in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and parts of Khan Yunis, revealed that one in three children under the age of three had not eaten anything in the 24 hours prior to the survey.

Nearly three-quarters of families with young children reported clear signs of malnutrition, while only 1% of families were classified as food secure.

The report noted that families are forced to skip entire meals or reduce food portions, with an almost complete absence of protein, vegetables, and fresh fruit.

Rise in injuries and amputations

In parallel with the food crisis, the IRC has observed a 48% increase in child protection cases in recent weeks.

The report stated that most injuries among children are caused by shrapnel, with a notable increase in amputations. It is estimated that there are around 4,000 children with amputated limbs in the Gaza Strip since the start of the genocide, which is the highest rate in the world relative to the population.

Senior vice president for crisis, recovery and development at the IRC Kieran Donnelly said:

These are children who have lost limbs, who wake up screaming from nightmares, who no longer feel safe even within their own families. Our teams are doing everything they can to support them, but without safe access and basic supplies, their recovery is at risk of stalling.

The report noted that children who have lost family members show more severe psychological symptoms, including anxiety, nightmares, fear of being alone, and sudden outbursts of aggression.

The organisation’s teams have also observed an increase in some children resorting to begging or child labour, while others cling to positive activities such as drawing and playing to mitigate the effects of trauma.

Severe shortage of humanitarian services

The IRC confirmed that prosthetics and rehabilitation are virtually non-existent in the sector, while psychological support for children is almost non-existent.

The near-total blockade on humanitarian access also hinders the delivery of basic supplies, while safe spaces are overcrowded and the education system is on the verge of collapse due to worsening hunger and malnutrition.

The committee concluded its report by calling for the opening of urgent and unconditional humanitarian corridors to allow access to food, healthcare, and protection for children, stressing that an immediate ceasefire remains a prerequisite for protecting them from further harm and ensuring the continuation of relief operations.

Feature image via BBC News/YouTube.