Fact Check: 85 % of Palestinians have entered the final stage of malnutrition

Fact-Check: "85% of Palestinians have entered the final stage of malnutrition"

What We Know

The claim that "85% of Palestinians have entered the final stage of malnutrition" lacks credible support from current data. Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that malnutrition is indeed a critical issue in Gaza, particularly among children. For instance, nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City is reported to be acutely malnourished, and the rate of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) has tripled since June 2025 (WHO). However, this does not equate to 85% of the entire Palestinian population being in the final stage of malnutrition.

Furthermore, a U.N.-backed report highlights that while a "worst-case scenario of famine" is unfolding in Gaza, it does not specify that 85% of the population is malnourished (NPR). Instead, it notes that thousands of children are suffering from severe malnutrition, with over 20,000 children admitted for treatment between April and mid-July 2025, but again, this does not support the claim regarding the overall population percentage (IPC).

Analysis

The claim of 85% malnutrition among Palestinians appears to be an exaggeration. The data from WHO indicates severe malnutrition among specific vulnerable groups, particularly children under five, but does not extend this figure to the entire Palestinian population. The WHO report emphasizes that the malnutrition crisis is largely preventable and exacerbated by ongoing conflict and humanitarian access issues (WHO).

The U.N. report also underscores the dire situation but focuses on specific demographics, particularly children, and does not provide a blanket statistic for the entire population. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report confirms that famine thresholds have been reached in certain areas but again does not support the claim of 85% malnutrition across all Palestinians (NPR).

In evaluating the reliability of these sources, both the WHO and U.N. reports are credible and based on systematic data collection and analysis. They are recognized organizations with expertise in health and humanitarian crises. However, the claim itself seems to lack a basis in these reports, suggesting it may have been misinterpreted or exaggerated.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The assertion that "85% of Palestinians have entered the final stage of malnutrition" is not supported by credible evidence. While malnutrition is a significant and worsening issue in Gaza, particularly among children, the statistics do not substantiate the claim for the entire population. Current reports indicate severe malnutrition among specific vulnerable groups but do not extend this to 85% of all Palestinians.

Fact Check: 85 % of Palestinians have entered the final stage of malnutrition