AMMAN — High levels of malnutrition continue to endanger the lives and wellbeing of children in the Gaza Strip, with the onset of winter accelerating the spread of disease and heightening the risk of death among the most vulnerable, according to UNICEF.

 

Despite a slight decline in acute malnutrition cases in recent months, humanitarian agencies warn that the situation remains critical, particularly as thousands of displaced families endure harsh weather conditions without adequate shelter, sanitation or clothing.

 

UNICEF screenings conducted in October identified nearly 9,300 children under five suffering from acute malnutrition, a decrease from 11,746 in September and 14,363 in August.

 

Although the downward trend signals progress in treating and preventing acute malnutrition, October still marked one of the highest monthly admission rates ever recorded, nearly five times higher than figures from February, during the previous ceasefire.

 

“Despite progress, thousands of children under the age of five remain acutely malnourished in Gaza, while many more lack proper shelter, sanitation and protection against winter,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said.

 

“Too many children in Gaza are still facing hunger, illness and exposure to cold temperatures, conditions that are putting their lives at risk. Every minute counts to protect these children,” Russell added.

 

While increased entry of food supplies in recent weeks has pushed down some market prices, UNICEF reports that many key items remain unavailable or unaffordable.

 

A family survey conducted in October found that two out of three children under five consumed only two or fewer food groups out of the recommended eight in the previous week, with most families relying on grains, bread or flour.

 

Winter has further compounded the crisis. Heavy rains have flooded displacement sites, sweeping sewage and waste into densely populated areas. With overcrowding, limited access to safe water and deteriorating sanitation, disease is spreading rapidly, especially among young children.

 

UNICEF warns that the combination of malnutrition and illness is especially deadly, as each condition exacerbates the other. Exposure to cold temperatures also increases the body’s energy requirements, leaving malnourished children, who lack muscle and fat reserves, at severe risk of hypothermia.

 

To address rising needs, UNICEF has significantly expanded its nutrition response, particularly in Gaza City, where famine was confirmed in August. The number of acute malnutrition treatment points there has increased from seven to 26 since the ceasefire, improving access to life-saving services.

 

The agency has also brought in more than 5,000 family tents, nearly 700,000 blankets, over 200,000 sets of winter clothes, and thousands of tarpaulins and mattresses since the ceasefire. These items are being distributed urgently across Gaza, including in previously underserved areas such as Jabalia in the north.

 

UNICEF has warned that winter supplies already delivered are not being replenished quickly enough, with large quantities awaiting entry at border crossings. The agency reiterated its call for the safe, rapid and unimpeded movement of humanitarian aid in line with international humanitarian law

 

Alongside UN agencies, Jordan has continued to intensify its relief efforts inside the Strip. The Jordanian Campaign, in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), on November 26 distributed 1,600 winter clothing parcels for children across northern, central and southern Gaza.

 

The parcels included essential winter garments for various age groups and were delivered according to a mechanism prioritising the most affected families, the JHCO said in a statement.

 

Abdulrahman Awad, the campaign’s general coordinator, said that the continuation of winter initiatives reflects a sustained commitment to protecting vulnerable groups.

 

“We remain dedicated to field work and to providing what is needed for the people in Gaza, especially children who are enduring harsh conditions during these times,” he said.

 

The campaign continues to implement a range of relief interventions, including food assistance, clothing support and medical aid, as part of a broader humanitarian response.

 

Jordan’s support in Gaza also includes the operation of a mobile bakery, established under Royal directives to alleviate the suffering of civilians. The bakery, run in partnership with the World Central Kitchen (WCK), has produced nearly 11.8 million loaves of bread since beginning operations in January 2025.

 

Running around the clock, the facility turns out approximately 70,000 loaves each day to help meet food needs across the Strip, according to WCK figures.