A service of the Ministry of Defense IsraelCogat today released a report, arguing that “there are no signs of general malnutrition” in Gauzedespite UN estimates and numerous international organizations warning of the risk of mass starvation.
Cogat, an Israeli service responsible for coordinating Gaza aid, reports that it has a “thorough evaluation” of Hamas’ data for malnutrition deaths, finding “significant deviations” and arguing that many deaths are associated with pre -existing diseases.
The Hamas government reacted, accusing Israel of “systematic starvation” of the population and a “desperate attempt to conceal internationally recorded crime”.
Since the start of the war, Israel has imposed a siege on more than two million Gaza residents, with a complete humanitarian exclusion from March that has partially relaxed in May and again in late July.
According to the World Health Organization, 148 people have died of malnutrition this year, while nearly 12,000 children under 5 suffered acute malnutrition in July – the highest monthly number recorded. The global food program warns that “more than a third of the population does not eat for many consecutive days” and that more than 300,000 children are seriously at risk.
For doctors without borders, “malnutrition in Gaza is a reality, evolves rapidly and affects the whole population”, including middle class.