A U.N.-backed nutrition survey released on July 22, 2026, found that acute malnutrition among children under age 5 in Gaza has dropped to levels comparable to or below those recorded prior to the Israel-Hamas war. The Gaza SMART nutrition survey, coordinated by the UNICEF-led Nutrition Cluster and presented by the State of Palestine Nutrition Cluster, evaluated 1,335 children across regions home to approximately 83% of Gaza’s population. Security and operational constraints prevented data collection in areas covering about 17% of the population.
The survey measured acute malnutrition using two methods: weight-for-height (WHZ) measurements, which showed rates between 0.2% and 0.8% (compared to a global estimate of 0.5%), and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), which recorded a rate of 1.3%. Evaluators concluded there was no evidence of famine conditions in the surveyed areas.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon cited the findings as proof that prior accusations of deliberate starvation were unfounded. Danon called the earlier claims a “blood libel” and stated that they relied on Hamas reports, which he described as fabricated. He argued that future assessments should not depend on data from terrorist organizations, emphasizing Israel’s transparency in sharing humanitarian data.
The survey’s results have sparked debate over the accuracy of wartime claims and the role of conflicting data sources. While the findings provide a snapshot of current conditions, they do not address broader humanitarian challenges in Gaza, including access to food, medical supplies, and infrastructure damage. The conflict, now in its third year, has displaced millions and left critical services strained.
Health officials and aid organizations continue to monitor malnutrition trends, noting that even low rates of acute malnutrition can indicate underlying vulnerabilities in a population. The survey’s methodology and scope have also drawn scrutiny, with some experts questioning whether the sampled areas fully represent Gaza’s most affected regions. The State of Palestine Nutrition Cluster and UNICEF have not yet responded to requests for further clarification on the survey’s limitations.
The findings come amid ongoing international discussions about accountability for wartime actions and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has previously warned that 1.1 million people in Gaza face catastrophic food insecurity, though the latest survey suggests localized improvements in child nutrition. Aid groups emphasize that sustained access to food, clean water, and medical care remains essential to prevent further deterioration of public health.