The level of malnutrition in the Gaza Strip has increased during the more than 11-week Israeli blockade and could increase exponentially if food shortages continue, a health official at the UN agency for Palestine refugees said on Monday, quoted by Reuters, BTA reported.
"I have data up to the end of April and it shows that malnutrition is increasing", Akihiro Seita, director of the agency's health department, told reporters at a briefing in Geneva. " "Therefore, our concern is that if the current food shortage continues, it (malnutrition) will increase exponentially and will get out of our control," he warned.
Yesterday, Israel allowed nine aid trucks to enter Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, although aid workers said only five had entered.
After a nearly three-month blockade, Israel allowed nine aid trucks into Gaza yesterday, although only five had entered so far, the spokesman said. The distribution of the aid, including baby food, is expected to begin today. "There are babies who are in life-saving need" of this food and could be at risk of death, Lehrke stressed.
Gaza's nearly two million population is almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid for their nutrition, DPA notes. Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid to fund its own operations and fighters.