WHO warns of permanent impact of hunger on a generation of Gazans

Malnutrition rates are rising in Gaza, and hunger could have lasting impacts on “an entire generation,” the World Health Organization’s representative for the Occupied Palestinian Territory warned on Tuesday.

Rik Peeperkorn said he had seen children in clinics who looked years younger than their age.

“Without enough nutritious food, clean water and access to health care, an entire generation will be permanently affected,” Peeperkorn said during a press briefing by video link from Deir al-Balah, citing the risks of poor health, stunting, and impaired cognitive development.