Tue Jul 15 23:34:00 UTC 2025: ## From the Hindu: Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Malnutrition Soars Amidst Renewed Conflict
**Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip – July 16, 2025:** Malnutrition rates amongst children in Gaza have doubled since Israel tightened restrictions on aid entering the region in March, the UN reports. The dire situation coincides with renewed Israeli strikes that have claimed the lives of over 90 Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, according to local health officials.
Since the breakdown of a ceasefire in March and the subsequent ban on food and supplies imposed by Israel, Gaza’s two million residents have faced increasing hunger. While the blockade was slightly eased in late May, allowing a limited amount of aid, the situation remains critical.
UNRWA reports a staggering 10.2% of nearly 16,000 children under five screened in June are acutely malnourished, compared to 5.5% of roughly 15,000 children screened in March. UNICEF has also documented a significant rise in malnutrition cases, reporting 5,870 cases in June, a more than twofold increase compared to February.
Israeli strikes continue to inflict heavy casualties. One strike on the Shati refugee camp resulted in the death of a Hamas legislator, Mohammed Faraj al-Ghoul, along with a family of eight seeking shelter in the same building. Another devastating strike in Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa district claimed the lives of 19 members of a single family, including women and children.
The Israeli military maintains it targets militants and takes precautions to avoid civilian casualties, blaming Hamas for operating in densely populated areas. However, witnesses report daily strikes on homes and shelters without warning or explanation.
While Israel claims to be allowing an average of 69 trucks of supplies into Gaza daily, the UN asserts this is far below the hundreds of trucks needed to sustain the population. COGAT, the Israeli military agency responsible for aid coordination, accuses the UN of failing to distribute aid, a claim the UN denies, citing Israeli restrictions and the breakdown of law and order.
In a separate incident, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee has called for an investigation into the killing of a Palestinian-American in the West Bank, allegedly beaten to death by Jewish settlers.
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