Gaza’s Ministry of Health said on 21 August that at least 271 people, among them 112 children, have died from starvation and malnutrition since late 2023, underscoring the collapse of food security in the besieged enclave. UN agencies report a rapid deterioration in child nutrition. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) estimates that almost one in three children in Gaza City is now malnourished, and the overall rate of child malnutrition across the territory has tripled in less than six months. Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned that without immediate assistance many of these children are "certainly condemned to death." Aid flows remain far below what humanitarian organisations deem necessary. UNRWA says between 500 and 600 truckloads of supplies are required every day, but Gaza’s government media office states that only 250 trucks entered during the last three days—less than 15 percent of the volume needed. UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram said far greater deliveries are imperative to prevent a famine affecting the two-million-strong population. UNRWA added that its operations are at risk amid intensified Israeli military activity and again appealed for a cease-fire to allow safe, large-scale delivery of food, water and medical goods. The United Nations and several humanitarian groups continue to urge Israel to lift restrictions at border crossings and guarantee unimpeded access for relief convoys.