Gaza Hunger Crisis Deepens as Malnutrition Deaths Rise

The State of Palestine has raised alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians, representing 67 percent of the population, are facing crisis-level food insecurity or worse.

In a statement, Ambassador Tamer Almassri attributed the situation to continued bombardments and restrictions on humanitarian assistance, including the entry of food and medical supplies.

According to the statement, at least 466 Palestinians have died from malnutrition and starvation since 2024, with children accounting for one-third of the fatalities. An estimated 74,200 children are also expected to require treatment for acute malnutrition.

The crisis has also affected maternal health, with anaemia among pregnant women rising from 41 percent before October 2023 to 61 percent.

Nearly 4,000 pregnancy losses were recorded during the first half of 2026, more than three times the number reported in the preceding six months.

Ambassador Almassri condemned the blockade imposed by Israeli authorities, saying restrictions on border crossings had prevented essential food, medicine and humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.

The State of Palestine called for immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access, alongside practical support to revive local food production and enable communities to meet their food needs.

The statement also raised concerns over the alleged torture and mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners from Gaza held in the Rakafet wing of Ramla Prison. It said detainees had sustained serious injuries and burns.

Ambassador Almassri said the reported practices violated international humanitarian and human rights standards, including the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture.

The State of Palestine called on the international community, the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations General Assembly to protect Palestinian civilians and prisoners, ensure accountability and address impunity.