Igniting peace in the Gaza Strip
In the troubled region of Gaza, a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions is unfolding. According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), malnutrition has reached alarming levels, with nearly 12,000 children under five identified as acutely malnourished in July 2025 alone.
The situation is dire, with more than 2,500 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), the most life-threatening form. The proportion of children with SAM has increased from 12% earlier in the year to 18% in June and July, indicating a worsening condition. Malnutrition-related deaths have sharply increased, with 74 deaths recorded up to July, 63 of which occurred in July alone.
The Gaza Ministry of Health has documented 235 malnutrition-related deaths since October 2023, including 106 children. The crisis is exacerbated by humanitarian access constraints, shortages of essential nutrition supplies, and disruptions in food and medical aid due to blockade and conflict.
Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates exceed 10%, with nearly 20% of pregnant and breastfeeding women being malnourished. In Gaza City, nearly one in five children under five is currently acutely malnourished, with doubling and tripling rates in other parts of the Gaza Strip.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), including WHO members, has issued a Famine alert for Gaza, confirming that famine thresholds for food consumption and acute malnutrition have been reached in much of Gaza, especially Gaza City. This marks a "worst-case scenario" unfolding amid conflict, displacement, and collapsed services.
The reports highlight the entirely preventable nature of this crisis, pointing to deliberate blocking and delays in humanitarian aid as a major cause of suffering and death. As the crisis deepens, calls for international action are growing louder.
Meanwhile, a group of 600 former Israeli security officials have stated that Hamas no longer represents a strategic threat to Israel. This statement, coupled with public opinion turning against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, has led some to question the need for continued military action.
Amidst this, Canada has a legal and moral duty to act to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly in regards to upholding humanitarian law and not becoming complicit in violations by providing arms or doing business with companies that support illegal occupation of territories.
As the world watches, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. It is a crisis that demands urgent attention and action from the international community.
References: 1. WHO Gaza Malnutrition Report 2. UN OCHA Gaza Malnutrition Report 3. Gaza Ministry of Health Malnutrition Report 4. ACAPS Gaza Malnutrition Report 5. IPC Gaza Famine Alert
- The situation in Gaza, marked by a severe malnutrition crisis and restricted access to essential supplies, requires urgent attention from the scientific community, particularly regarding policy and legislation that can alleviate this health-and-wellness crisis.
- Mental-health issues may arise from living amidst war-and-conflicts, and it's crucial for humanitarian organizations to prioritize mental-health services alongside general-news reporting on the unfolding crisis in Gaza.
- The Quebec Polytechnic University's nutritional sciences department could study effective and efficient methods for addressing malnutrition in Gaza, contributing to the general-news discussion on the crisis and potentially leading to innovative solutions.
- In light of former Israeli security officials stating that Hamas no longer poses a significant strategic threat, political leaders worldwide should reconsider policies on war-and-conflicts in Gaza and pursue negotiations that prioritize justice and the well-being of the people.
