UNRWA Warns of Surge in Genetic Anomalies as Gaza’s Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsens
UN agency highlights severe shortages in food and medicine, rise in malnutrition among children, and unprecedented genetic mutations in premature infants
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that its teams continue to provide humanitarian services in the Gaza Strip despite immense challenges and acute shortages of essential medical supplies.
In an official statement on Sunday, the agency warned of an alarming rise in unprecedented genetic anomalies among premature babies born in Gaza.
UNRWA reported a “notable increase in cases of malnutrition,” particularly among children and vulnerable groups, since the imposition of the intensified Israeli blockade on Gaza in March.
The agency emphasized that restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, are exacerbating the already dire health and living conditions of the population.
International Community Urged to Act
UNRWA called on the international community to take immediate action to ensure the delivery of life-saving supplies and to help end the worsening humanitarian crisis.
“The continuation of this situation threatens an imminent humanitarian catastrophe,” the agency stated, pointing to the near-total collapse of Gaza’s health infrastructure and soaring levels of poverty and malnutrition—especially among children and women.
70,000 Children Malnourished, Premature Babies Suffer Genetic Changes
UNRWA’s media advisor, Adnan Abu Hasna, told Alaraby TV that around 70,000 children in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition, and that premature babies are being born with previously unseen genetic mutations.
“There are no medicines in Gaza’s hospitals, and medical teams are exhausted due to the severity of the situation,” he said, adding that over 90% of Gaza’s population is affected by malnutrition.
He also noted that the pace of killings by Israeli forces through aerial and artillery bombardment has risen to over 110 per day in recent days. (PW)
Source: Palinfo