Hunger level in Gaza Strip, under the devastating effect of Israeli attacks, is at "catastrophic level"

The statement made by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza on the occasion of October 16 World Food Day once again revealed the extent of hunger in Gaza after the Israeli attacks.

According to the statement made by the Ministry, hunger and malnutrition rates in the Gaza Strip are at "catastrophic level", negatively affecting life.

In the Gaza Strip, where food insecurity is experienced, 158 thousand children, 28 thousand of whom are in life-threatening condition, suffer from acute malnutrition, according to August 2026 data. Additionally, 12.2 percent of children have growth retardation.

It is predicted that 74,200 children will need medication due to acute malnutrition by April 2027.

11 percent of elderly people go a day without eating a single meal

The elderly, who are among the most vulnerable segments of society, are also seriously affected by hunger and malnutrition.

While 11 percent of the elderly spend the day without eating at all, 48 percent have to share their food with family members. 68 percent of elderly people who cannot obtain their medications are forced to stop their treatments or reduce their medication doses.

According to the Ministry's report, more than 1.4 million people are expected to face food crisis throughout the Gaza Strip, especially in Gaza City, by the end of 2026.

One in three pregnant women has a high-risk pregnancy

In Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for many years, the anemia rate in pregnant women, which was 41 percent before the attacks that started in 2023, increased to 61 percent after the attacks.

While miscarriage cases are increasing in pregnant women due to malnutrition, harsh living conditions and unhealthy environments, one in every 3 women is in the risky pregnancy category.

"The right to access food is a right that cannot be lost through war"

In the Ministry's statement, drawing attention to the extent of hunger in Gaza, it was emphasized that access to food is a fundamental human right that cannot be violated even under war conditions, and called on the United Nations (UN) and the international community to take action.

In the statement, it was stated that urgent measures should be taken to ensure the safe, uninterrupted and unrestricted entry of food, medical supplies and medicine into the Gaza Strip.

In the statement, it was emphasized that children, pregnant women, nursing mothers and the elderly should be given priority in delivering the aid in question, and called on the international community to revitalize and support local food production in the Gaza Strip.

In Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 2023, more than 74 thousand Palestinians have died, more than 175 thousand people have been injured, and approximately 90 percent of the infrastructure in the region has been destroyed.