Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said new data showing sharply lower child malnutrition in Gaza undermines wartime accusations that Israel deliberately starved Gazans, calling those claims a ‘blood libel’ fueled by Hamas figures.

Nutrition Survey Findings

The Gaza SMART nutrition survey, coordinated by the UNICEF-led Nutrition Cluster, found acute malnutrition rates between 0.2% and 0.8% using weight-for-height measurements and 1.3% using mid-upper-arm circumference. Evaluators concluded there was ‘no widespread acute malnutrition at population level,’ noting that rates are significantly lower than those in neighboring countries.

Danon pointed directly to past statements made by senior international officials, including U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, who said 14,000 babies were at risk of dying within 48 hours without immediate nutritional aid. Danon called these claims ‘false and outrageous,’ stating that Israel kept records of food supplies moving into the enclave throughout the conflict.

Hamas’ Role in Aid Distribution

Danon also accused Hamas of hijacking aid distribution networks for financial gain, saying, ‘We know for a fact that Hamas took the aid and sold it in the market, taking advantage of the situation with inflated prices.’ He emphasized that Israel is working with NGOs that are not infiltrated by Hamas to deliver aid and food without Hamas gaining control over it.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.