Gaza Faces Shortage of Lifesaving Food for Malnourished Children, UN Reports
Gaza is nearing a critical shortage of specialized therapeutic food essential for treating severely malnourished children, according to United Nations and humanitarian organizations.
Salim Oweis, a spokesperson for UNICEF in Amman, Jordan, stated on Thursday that reserves of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), a vital treatment, could be exhausted by mid-August without immediate intervention. “The situation is dire—these supplies are running out,” he told reporters.
“This poses a severe risk to children already suffering from hunger and malnutrition,” Oweis added.
UNICEF currently has only enough RUTF to treat 3,000 children, while in just the first half of July alone, the agency provided care for 5,000 children with acute malnutrition in Gaza.
RUTF, which includes nutrient-rich, high-calorie products like fortified peanut paste and high-energy biscuits, is crucial for combating severe malnutrition.
A representative from the World Health Organization warned on Thursday that existing malnutrition treatment stocks have been nearly depleted and will soon run out entirely without swift replenishment.
### Ceasefire Negotiations to Resume Amid Aid Crisis
Negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire are expected to restart next week after Israel reviews the latest response from Hamas, according to Egypt’s state-affiliated Al Qahera News, citing an Egyptian official.
The report noted that Israel’s delegation departed talks a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled negotiators for consultations. The U.S., a key ally of Israel, also withdrew its team, with envoy Steve Witkoff criticizing Hamas for not engaging in good faith.
Hamas expressed surprise at the remarks, asserting that its stance had been well-received by mediators and could pave the way for an agreement.
### Diplomatic Efforts on Iran’s Nuclear Program Continue
Representatives from Iran, Britain, France, and Germany met in Istanbul to discuss the stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program—the first such talks since clashes between Iran and Israel in June.
Discussions focused on the possibility of reimposing sanctions previously lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal in exchange for restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities. European officials warned that sanctions could be reinstated by late August without progress.
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