Deir Al Balah: World Health Organization (WHO) Representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, has issued a warning regarding the escalating rates of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that hunger is jeopardizing the well-being and future of an entire generation of children in the region.

According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Peeperkorn, in a virtual press briefing from Deir Al Balah, shared his observations about children in medical centers who appear significantly younger than their actual age. This alarming situation is attributed to the severe shortage of essential resources such as food, healthcare, and clean water.

Dr. Peeperkorn further explained that if these conditions persist, they will lead to irreversible health issues, impacting both the physical and cognitive development of children. The threat of increased rates of stunted growth and overall frailty among the younger population is a growing concern.

This warning aligns with recent international alerts highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also issued a statement on Monday, describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as catastrophic and called for an immediate ceasefire to allow the delivery of vital humanitarian aid.