Malnutrition rates are rising in Gaza, and hunger could have lasting effects on “all generations,” said a representative of the occupied Palestinian territory of the World Health Organization.
Rik Peeperkorn said he’s seen children at a clinic younger than his age.
“Without access to adequate nutritious foods, clean water and health care, the entire generation will be permanently affected,” Peeperkorn told a news briefing via video link for Deir El-Balah, warning of poor health conditions, stunting and impaired cognitive development.
Food has not been allowed in Gaza for more than two months as Israel pushes a catastrophic lockdown on the strip.
Israel allows Hamas to withhold food, water and other life support items from the enclave as a pressure tactic to release the remaining Israeli prisoners of war.