Here’s the translation to American English:“Heartbreaking Reality: WHO Reports 57 Children Dead Due to Malnutrition in Gaza”

In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is reaching alarming levels, especially among the child population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that since the blockade of aid began on March 2, at least 57 children have died from malnutrition. This dramatic scenario jeopardizes an already uncertain future for the survivors, who face significant health consequences.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, predicted that if the situation does not improve, approximately 71,000 children under five could suffer from acute malnutrition in the coming year. The shortage of humanitarian aid has limited the WHO’s ability to provide supplies that can only serve 500 children in cases of acute malnutrition, representing a fraction of the urgent needs in the region.

Peeperkorn described a destructive cycle in which the lack of varied food, malnutrition, and illness feed into one another. An analysis presented by the WHO revealed that one in five residents of Gaza, around 500,000 people, is currently facing starvation, in a context where the population of 2.1 million is mired in severe food scarcity.

During a visit to Kamal Adwan Hospital, Dr. Peeperkorn noted that over 300 children are examined daily at a nutrition center. Reports indicate that more than 11% of patients attending these facilities present with acute malnutrition. The effects of this condition can leave permanent scars, including growth delays and cognitive development issues, putting an entire generation at risk.

Despite the support that the WHO provides to various treatment centers in the region, humanitarian access disrupted by Israel is affecting the operation of these facilities. Currently, 31 WHO aid trucks are stranded in Al-Arish, Egypt, waiting to cross into the enclave. The organization has repeatedly urged Israeli authorities to allow this supply, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The crisis is further exacerbated by recent attacks on health facilities. An airstrike, reportedly by Israel, hit the burn unit at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, killing two people and injuring at least twelve others, in addition to damaging hospital infrastructure. Peeperkorn made a clear call: healthcare should not be a target, and it is essential to protect medical facilities, end the blockade, and seek a ceasefire that fosters sustainable, lasting peace.