UNRWA Warns Malnourished Children Risk Death in Gaza City Operation

 

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that children in Gaza suffering from severe malnutrition may die if emergency aid is not provided immediately during Israel’s current military operation in Gaza City. Speaking at a press club in Geneva, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini described a dramatic increase in child hunger, noting that UNRWA data shows a six-fold rise in the number of children suffering from malnutrition since March.

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Lazzarini explained that the already fragile population is facing the possibility of another wave of displacement due to Israel’s intensified military activity. He emphasized that many families are too weak to endure new evacuations or prolonged shortages of food and water. Without a clear crisis plan to protect the most vulnerable, particularly children, he warned that many lives will be lost. His remarks underline the growing humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where aid groups have repeatedly called for more access to deliver food, medicine, and other essentials. The situation highlights the devastating impact of the conflict on children and raises urgent questions about how humanitarian agencies can operate during active fighting in Gaza City.

Lazzarini’s warning reflects the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza as military operations continue to intensify. The rapid increase in malnutrition among children is a stark indicator of the broader collapse of essential services, including food supply chains and healthcare. With a population already weakened by months of shortages, further military activity could create catastrophic outcomes. His remarks suggest that without urgent international intervention and a specific plan for crisis response, children are likely to be the first casualties.

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The challenge for aid agencies such as UNRWA is that ongoing military operations severely limit their ability to deliver assistance. The warning also highlights the tension between humanitarian needs and security concerns, as military activity often takes priority over the safe movement of aid convoys. By framing the issue around the survival of children, Lazzarini is likely attempting to press the international community to act quickly and push for humanitarian corridors or pauses in fighting.

The crisis raises broader political and ethical questions about the conduct of military operations in densely populated areas. It underscores the disproportionate effect of the conflict on the most vulnerable, particularly children, who bear the heaviest burden of food shortages and displacement.