Gaza Malnutrition Crisis Deepens as WHO Warns of "Alarming Levels"
The World Health Organization has sounded the alarm on the escalating malnutrition crisis in Gaza, warning that rates have reached "alarming levels" and are on a "dangerous trajectory". This dire situation comes as aid airdrops resume in the Strip, with Jordan and the United Arab Emirates dropping 25 tonnes of aid into Gaza on Sunday.
The aid drop follows Israel's declaration of a daily "tactical pause" in military operations in certain areas, allowing for aid corridors and UN convoys to access Gaza. However, the effectiveness of this pause has been questioned, with reports of continued violence and civilian casualties.
UN aid chief Tom Fletcher confirmed that some movement restrictions have been eased, enabling over 100 truckloads of aid to be transported into Gaza. Despite this progress, vast amounts of aid are still needed to stave off famine and a catastrophic health crisis.
Meanwhile, medics reported nine killed and 54 injured by Israeli fire near an aid convoy route in central Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed its troops fired warning shots at a gathering of suspects approaching them. US President Donald Trump has pledged to send more aid to Gaza, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the need for sustainable aid delivery through land routes.
The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UN's World Food Programme has warned that a third of Gaza's population goes without food for several days at a time, and every one in four is enduring famine-like conditions. The WHO's warning highlights the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance and protection of civilians in Gaza.
Source: BBC News/Lead News Online
