UNICEF says 80% of children in Gaza facing food shortages

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report warns that acute food insecurity puts all children under five in the Gaza Strip-335,000-at high risk of severe malnutrition and preventable death, according to a statement by UNICEF, Report informs.

UNICEF estimates that in the coming weeks, at least 10,000 children under five years will suffer the most life-threatening form of malnutrition, known as severe wasting, and will need therapeutic foods:

"This unacceptable risk comes at a time when the Gaza Strip’s food and health systems are facing complete collapse. More than 80% of young children are experiencing severe food poverty, and more than two-thirds of hospitals are no longer functioning because of the lack of fuel, water, and vital medical supplies or because they sustained catastrophic damage in attacks.

"We are also particularly concerned about the nutrition of over 155,000 pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, as well as for over 135,000 children under two, given their specific nutrition needs, which are compounded by stress and trauma."