Israel’s manufactured malnutrition crisis in Gaza, Palestine, had a devastating impact on pregnant and breastfeeding women, newborns, and infants under six months old during periods of intense hostilities and siege, such as mid-2025, according to an analysis of medical data released today by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
At four health facilities that were either run or supported by MSF between late 2024 and early 2026, our teams recorded higher levels of prematurity and mortality among infants born to mothers affected by malnutrition during their pregnancy, high levels of miscarriage, and observed sharp increases in treatment interruption among malnourished children.
MSF links these outcomes to Israel’s blockade of essential goods and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities. Insecurity, displacement, restrictions on aid, and limited access to food and medical care have had devastating consequences for maternal and newborn health. MSF warns that the situation remains extremely fragile, despite the so-called ceasefire, and urges Israeli authorities to immediately allow the unhindered entry of vital assistance and supplies into Gaza.
“The malnutrition crisis is entirely manufactured,” says Mercè Rocaspana, MSF medical adviser for emergencies. “Before the war, malnutrition in Gaza was almost non-existent. For two and a half years, the systematic blockade to humanitarian aid and commercial goods, on top of insecurity, have severely restricted access to food and clean water. Healthcare facilities have been forced out of service and living conditions have profoundly deteriorated. As a result, vulnerable groups of people are placed at heightened risk of malnutrition.”
