Thousands of infants in Gaza are facing imminent death or permanent health damage due to catastrophic levels of malnutrition, as humanitarian aid remains critically restricted, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell warned in a dire statement posted on X.

“Thousands of babies in Gaza lack proper nutrition as aid access remains severely hampered,” Russell wrote. “Many mothers have been killed or are too malnourished to breastfeed, leaving infants at risk of dying or with permanent health damage. Every minute counts in saving their lives.”

The crisis has reached unprecedented levels. With Gaza’s health and food systems shattered by months of relentless bombardment and siege, babies—especially newborns and infants—are paying the ultimate price. Hospitals are overwhelmed, formula is virtually non-existent, and access to clean water is a daily struggle.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly sounded the alarm, calling for immediate, unimpeded access to food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. However, border closures, bureaucratic obstacles, and continued hostilities have severely restricted the flow of aid into Gaza, turning what was already a humanitarian crisis into a full-blown catastrophe.

Health workers on the ground report an alarming spike in cases of wasting and stunting among children under the age of two, as well as dangerously low birth weights and rising infant mortality.

Unless the siege is lifted and full humanitarian access is restored immediately, an entire generation of Palestinian children could suffer lifelong physical and cognitive impairments—or worse, not survive at all.

“Every minute counts in saving their lives”, Russell’s statement concluded.