UNICEF warns 80% of children in Gaza face severe malnutrition

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that at least 10,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are at risk of falling into life-threatening severe malnutrition in the coming weeks.

UNICEF's statement said that Gaza's health and food supply systems are at risk of complete collapse.

More than 80% of children in the territory are severely malnourished, while nearly 70% of hospitals are unable to function due to lack of fuel, water and essential medical equipment or have been severely damaged by the conflict.

In light of the above situation, UNICEF calls on all parties to immediately and fully respect international humanitarian law, take all necessary precautions to protect civilians, release all hostages and comply with ensuring that all children are protected and assisted.

Previously, at the end of October, UNICEF also released a report showing that every day more than 400 children are killed or injured in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), every 10 minutes a child dies in Gaza.

On December 20, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned that the severe lack of drinking water in the Gaza Strip could cause more children to die from disease.

Ms Russell said families here are using water from unsafe sources that are highly salty or contaminated. The lack of clean water will push many children to fall ill and face the risk of death in the coming days.