Israel's UN Ambassador Discusses Child Malnutrition Data in Gaza

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, stated that new data indicating lower child malnutrition rates in Gaza contradicts accusations that Israel has deliberately starved the population. This statement follows a U.N.-backed survey revealing that acute malnutrition among children in Gaza has decreased to levels comparable to those before the Israel-Hamas conflict. Danon referred to previous starvation claims as a 'blood libel' and criticized reliance on data from Hamas. The Gaza SMART nutrition survey, which evaluated 1,335 children under age 5, found acute malnutrition rates between 0.2% and 0.8%. The survey concluded that there is 'no widespread acute malnutrition at population level,' although issues such as stunting and poor diet diversity persist. Danon emphasized Israel's transparency regarding food supplies entering Gaza and accused Hamas of misusing aid. He reiterated that Israel does not seek to control Gaza but insists that Hamas must disarm for progress to occur.