State Department Responds to UNICEF Report on Gaza Malnutrition

The Trump State Department has weighed in on a recent UNICEF report concerning malnutrition in the Gaza Strip, asserting that it “absolutely destroys” claims suggesting that Israel has intentionally starved civilians in the region controlled by Hamas.

This response followed a report from the United Nations, which has been echoed by various international media, indicating that famine conditions in Gaza are expected to persist until June. The situation escalated after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals, both Israeli and foreign. In retaliation, Israel launched an offensive into Gaza, provoking accusations of genocide and deliberate starvation tactics against the Gazan population.

According to a report by the National Nutrition Cluster led by UNICEF, assessments were made on the risk of malnutrition among 1,335 children under five years old across 83% of Gaza. Data collected indicated that malnutrition rates, analyzed by weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), showed a range of 0.2% in Khan Yunis and Rafah to 0.8% in Gaza City using WHZ figures. Meanwhile, MUAC measurements found malnutrition at rates of 1.5% in Gaza City and 1.9% in Deir al-Balah. Notably, about 17% of the population could not be surveyed due to security and operational limitations.

A spokesperson from the State Department told Fox News Digital that the findings from UNICEF challenge numerous false narratives accusing Israel of intentionally starving Gazans. They urged international agencies, media, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to correct what they deemed a politicized attack on Israel, which, they claim, has provided about 2 million tons of food to Gaza since a ceasefire.

The malnutrition rates reported by UNICEF are considered comparable or lower than those found in various neighboring countries. For instance, acute malnutrition rates across the region vary, with figures reported at 1.3% in Gaza, Lebanon, and Turkey; 2.3% in Jordan; 3.3% in Egypt; 12.2% in Syria; and 17.7% in Sudan, according to the Coordinator of Government Activities for the Israeli Territories (COGAT).

The UNICEF report incited backlash among some observers who disputed the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC)’s stance that hunger was “confirmed” in Gaza as of August 2025. Such unrest was mainly fueled by an IPC warning in that same month regarding famine approaching Gaza. They estimated that around 132,000 children under five could face acute malnutrition by June 2026, with approximately 41,000 in severe cases at risk of death.

The IPC is poised to release a complete report regarding the situation in Gaza shortly, indicating that from July to December 2026, the area is expected to enter a second stage of malnutrition “alert,” with more than 74,200 children anticipated to require treatment by April 2027.

A previous UNICEF report in July stated there were “few confirmed cases of nutrition-related deaths during treatment” in Gaza. However, the IPC did not address questions regarding UNICEF’s results or whether it stands by earlier claims that famine occurred in the region.

A State Department spokesperson remarked that the United States is collaborating with Israel to enhance humanitarian aid while taking measures to prevent any diversion of resources by Hamas. They mentioned a proactive plan to rebuild Gaza and efforts directed toward the disarmament of Hamas to mitigate future threats to Israel.

Andrew Fox, a senior fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, asserted to Fox News Digital that the allegations surrounding starvation in Gaza are exaggerated. While acknowledging small-scale famines, he suggested that the issue might be related to resource allocation rather than a complete lack of food. His comments highlighted the importance of considering Hamas’s role in Gaza’s struggles while avoiding blame directed solely at Israel.

Professor Aaron Troen from the Institute of Nutrition and Brain Health expressed optimism regarding UNICEF’s findings, stating they reflect an improvement in conditions previously characterized by claims of famine and intentional political starvation. He suggested that the situation now is better than in many other parts of the Arab world.

Troen emphasized the need for transparency regarding humanitarian needs, urging listeners to remain open to both good and bad news to foster constructive discussions. He condemned the prevailing narrative which he believes serves political purposes and detracts from genuine efforts toward Palestinian governance and coexistence.

Finally, Cooper, UNICEF’s global media director, clarified that the nutrition survey evaluates mid-2026 conditions, more than nine months post the IPC’s August 2025 hunger declaration, and stresses the challenges of access and aid delivery faced by programs aimed at treating malnutrition. He noted a significant decline in hospitalizations for acute malnutrition following a peak in August 2025.

In a recent UNICEF report concerning Sudan, it was revealed that around 100,000 children were hospitalized for severe acute malnutrition treatment between January and March 2025, with projections of 825,000 children affected in 2026.

Fox called on significant organizations to publicly retract their erroneous claims, acknowledging their part in a rising tide of anti-Semitism worldwide, which he described as having reached alarming levels in 2025.