The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced on Sunday that it has been forced to shut down 21 malnutrition treatment centers across Gaza, citing renewed Israeli military operations and evacuation orders in areas where the centers were operating.

UNICEF spokesperson Kazem Abu Khalaf said in a press statement that the closures come at a critical time, with over one million children in Gaza already deprived of life-saving nutritional and medical assistance for more than a month.

Abu Khalaf noted that the closures are due in large part to Israel’s continued blockade of crossings into Gaza, which has prevented the delivery of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and nutritional supplements for the 35th consecutive day. He added that UNICEF is currently awaiting the results of a report by a special food security assessment body, which will present a clearer picture of the situation on the ground.

In a separate statement issued Saturday, UNICEF condemned the blockade, warning that the denial of humanitarian access constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The organization highlighted the devastating impact on children, particularly those facing acute malnutrition and lacking basic medical care.

UNICEF confirmed that thousands of aid parcels remain stalled at entry points into Gaza and called for their immediate release to alleviate the escalating humanitarian crisis. The agency further reported that complementary food for infants has run out, and only enough ready-to-use therapeutic milk remains to feed 400 children for a month—far below the current needs.

Humanitarian organizations continue to sound the alarm over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, where over two million residents, half of whom are children, are enduring severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical care amid sustained Israeli bombardment and displacement.

Calls are growing from international bodies and rights organizations for Israel to lift restrictions on aid access and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and infrastructure, in accordance with international law. (ILKHA)