ISRAELI OCCUPIED AND STARVED GAZA, 17 Dec. - (ANA) - High levels of child malnutrition continue to be recorded in Gaza despite the ceasefire that came into effect on 10 October, UN agencies have warned.

 

UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said the scale of its relief operations must be restored in full to support children facing severe hardship, including the combined effects of war, displacement and hunger.

 

In a post on X, the agency said its ability to respond remains constrained as Israel continues to heavily restrict the entry of aid into the enclave.

 

Those restrictions contributed to famine being confirmed in parts of Gaza in August by the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system.

 

Israel last year accused UNRWA of involvement in the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attacks and subsequently banned the agency from operating in Gaza.

 

In October, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that the allegations against UNRWA were not substantiated and emphasised that Israel is obligated to ensure the basic needs of Gaza’s Palestinian population are met.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/17 December 2025 - - -