Pakistan, June 6 -- GENEVA - The United Nations has reported a worrying rise in acute malnutrition among children in Gaza, with rates nearly tripling since the ceasefire earlier this year. The alarming increase reflects the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by limited aid access and ongoing conflict in the region.

According to data collected by UN agencies and humanitarian groups, around 5.8% of nearly 50,000 children under five who were screened in late May were diagnosed with acute malnutrition. This figure is significantly higher than the 4.7% reported in early May, and nearly three times the rate recorded in February during a temporary pause in fighting.

The situation worsened after Israel imposed an 11-week aid blockade followin...