Humanitarian specialists and medical professionals have cautioned that children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions face the greatest threat of famine in Gaza.
Supporters of Israel and the country’s foreign affairs officials have attempted to dispute the accuracy of distressing images circulating in global news outlets, even as well-documented reports confirm the deepening famine exacerbated by restrictions on aid deliveries.
One widely shared image, featured in multiple international reports, including *CuriosityNews*, depicted a severely malnourished young boy who was later confirmed to also have an existing medical condition.
Experts emphasize that children below five years old, particularly those with additional health concerns, along with elderly populations, remain the most at risk in famine conditions.
Recent assessments from aid organizations, national governments, and the UN’s food security monitoring initiative, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), have highlighted worsening hunger, especially among young children.
Data from past famines indicates that children under five face mortality rates double those of adults, with even higher risks for those with health complications. The Gaza health ministry reports that 154 people, including 89 children, have died from starvation since the conflict began.
Further complicating the crisis, specialists note that malnourished children are more susceptible to deadly illnesses, particularly when exposed to unsanitary living conditions.
Marina Adrianopoli, a World Health Organization specialist in undernutrition, highlighted the danger to "vulnerable children who lack access to services for preventing and addressing acute malnutrition," a gap she warned could result in "widespread disease, malnutrition, and starvation."
"Severe acute malnutrition is life-threatening and demands urgent care," she stated. "Children suffering from it, especially with medical complications, are at extreme risk of death."
"Early detection and proper treatment are critical for survival. Malnourished children have weakened immune systems, making them highly prone to infections. Providing immediate care is the only way to prevent unnecessary deaths."
Earlier this month, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported a sharp increase in malnutrition cases at its facilities, finding that 25% of screened children and pregnant or breastfeeding women were undernourished. Severe malnutrition in children under five had tripled within two weeks.
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