UNICEF said nearly 9,300 children under five in Gaza were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition in October.
The agency said escalating malnutrition is threatening children’s lives as winter intensifies health risks and accelerates disease transmission.
UNICEF noted that screenings conducted with humanitarian partners in October identified almost 9,300 acutely malnourished children under five.
It said large volumes of winter aid remain stalled at Gaza’s borders due to Israeli restrictions, and it called for safe and unobstructed humanitarian access.
The agency warned that thousands of displaced families remain in makeshift shelters without warm clothing, blankets or basic protection, while heavy rains have pushed waste and sewage into populated zones.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that “despite progress, thousands of children under the age of five remain acutely malnourished in Gaza, while many more lack proper shelter, sanitation and protection against winter.”
“Too many children in Gaza are still facing hunger, illness and exposure to cold temperatures, conditions that are putting their lives at risk,” she said.
Russell urged the opening of all crossings into Gaza with streamlined procedures and priority given to humanitarian shipments through any feasible route, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the West Bank.
Humanitarian agencies say the crisis continues despite the ceasefire that took effect in October, as Gaza faces mounting pressure from shortages and worsening weather.
Gaza’s government media office said a winter storm this week damaged about 22,000 tents housing displaced families and left more than 288,000 households exposed to cold and rain.
Authorities estimate the territory needs around 300,000 tents and prefabricated units after Israeli military operations over two years destroyed civilian infrastructure.
Local officials say nearly 70,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, have been killed since October 2023 and more than 170,900 injured, leaving much of the enclave in ruins.