Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Malnutrition and Displacement Surge Amid War

As the conflict in Gaza escalates, the humanitarian situation has reached a critical juncture, with thousands of children and elderly individuals bearing the brunt of the devastation. According to the United Nations, over 40,000 children have been injured since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, and nearly 90% of Gaza's population has been displaced, often multiple times. This alarming trend highlights the dire conditions faced by the most vulnerable members of society as they grapple with widespread hunger, severe injuries, and near-total destruction of their homes.

UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) chief Philippe Lazzarini reported that one in ten children screened in their medical facilities is malnourished, a statistic underscoring the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza. "Salam, a seven-month-old baby, died of malnutrition last week," Lazzarini stated, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate humanitarian assistance. The situation has been exacerbated by restrictions on aid deliveries, as prior to the conflict, around 500 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza daily. Following Israel's military operations, this number plummeted to fewer than 80 trucks per day, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Global Protection Cluster's recent report notes that over 139,000 Palestinians have sustained injuries since the conflict began, with more than 40,500 of these being children. Tragically, at least 58,479 people have been confirmed killed, while countless others remain buried under rubble, their fates unknown. Experts warn that the scale of injuries is overwhelming Gaza's already fragile healthcare system, with an estimated one in four injured individuals expected to require long-term rehabilitation.

The war's toll on children is particularly severe; reports reveal that 10 children lose one or both limbs each day, and 15 children are left with potentially life-altering disabilities. As of the end of 2024, over 5,200 children were identified as needing significant rehabilitation, with many more likely uncounted due to the collapse of local healthcare services.

The elderly population in Gaza also faces unprecedented challenges, with 97% of individuals aged 60 and older reporting health complications. The ongoing conflict has hampered their access to food, care, and essential medical support. Over 3,839 older people have lost their lives since the conflict began, further highlighting the urgent need for targeted assistance.

The displacement crisis is equally alarming, with approximately 90% of Gaza's population forcibly uprooted, often multiple times. Since mid-March 2025, more than 665,000 residents have been displaced, facing dire shortages of food, water, and shelter. OCHA has reported that over 86% of Gaza’s territory is either within an Israeli-imposed no-go zone or under evacuation orders, complicating the humanitarian response.

Older adults and individuals with disabilities encounter extreme difficulties, with many unable to evacuate due to mobility challenges or illness. Over 83% of those affected report losing essential assistive devices during their displacement. The highly dangerous terrain, compounded by the presence of unexploded ordnance, renders many areas inaccessible, further exacerbating the risks for those with mobility impairments.

Despite the dire situation, UNRWA reports that over 6,000 trucks of food, hygiene supplies, and medical equipment are currently waiting to enter Gaza. Juliette Touma, UNRWA’s communications director, expressed frustration at the delays, stating that these supplies are critical for addressing the immediate needs of the displaced and malnourished.

As international outcry grows, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to evolve, with long-term implications for the health and well-being of its population. The urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated humanitarian response is more critical than ever, as organizations and governments grapple with the realities of delivering aid in a conflict zone. The situation not only underscores the immediate needs of the vulnerable but also calls for sustained international attention and action to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.