WHO warns of permanent impact of hunger on a generation of Gazans

Malnutrition rates are rising in Gaza and hunger could have a lasting impact on "an entire generation", the World Health Organization's representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said on Tuesday.

Israel has blockaded supplies into the enclave since early March, when it resumed its devastating military campaign against Hamas, and a global hunger monitor on Monday warned that half a million people there faced starvation.

Rik Peeperkorn said he had seen children in clinics who looked years younger than their age and visited a north Gaza hospital where 11% of children screened suffered from acute malnutrition.

"What we see is an increasing trend in generalised acute malnutrition," Peeperkorn told a press briefing by video link from Deir al-Balah. "I've seen a child that's five years old, and you would say it was two-and-a-half."

"Without enough nutritious food, clean water and access to healthcare, an entire generation will be permanently affected," he said, warning of stunting and impaired cognitive development.

Israel has repeatedly blamed Hamas for causing hunger by stealing aid meant for civilians. Hamas denies the allegation.

Due to the blockade, WHO only has enough stocks to treat 500 children with acute malnutrition, which is only a fraction of what is needed, Peeperkorn said.

Already, 55 children have died of acute malnutrition, he said, citing Gaza Health Ministry figures.

Peeperkorn said he had seen many children in hospitals with illnesses such as gastroenteritis and pneumonia which, due to their reduced immunity linked to hunger, could be fatal.

"You normally don't die from starvation. You die from the diseases associated to that," he said.