Gaza malnutrition and starvation at ‘catastrophic’ levels: Health Ministry

The Palestinian Ministry of Health says malnutrition and starvation in Gaza have reached “catastrophic” levels despite a US-brokered ceasefire intended in part to facilitate food and medical supplies entering the Strip. At least 466 Palestinians have died from malnutrition and starvation since 2024, including children who account for one-third of the deaths; 189 of those who died were elderly. The ministry estimates that 74,200 children will need treatment for acute malnutrition through April 2027 and projects that more than 1.4 million Palestinians will face crisis-level food insecurity or worse by the end of 2026. UNICEF warned that gains in addressing hunger are fragile and urged that crossings remain open.