Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has asserted that recent data on child malnutrition in Gaza refutes claims that Israel deliberately starved the enclave's population, describing these accusations as a "blood libel." Danon pointed to a newly published United Nations-backed survey that indicates acute malnutrition rates among young children in Gaza are comparable to or lower than pre-war levels.
"When we actually answered those claims and asked our colleagues where they got the data, the answer was that they relied on Hamas reports," Danon stated in an interview with Fox News Digital. He argued that the latest findings undermine previous claims, which he characterized as fabricated and based on Hamas reports.
The Gaza SMART nutrition survey, presented by the State of Palestine Nutrition Cluster on July 22, 2026, evaluated 1,335 children under five years old. The survey found acute malnutrition rates between 0.2% and 0.8% using weight-for-height measurements, and 1.3% using mid-upper-arm circumference. While acknowledging that 17% of the population could not be surveyed due to security and operational constraints, the evaluators concluded there was "no widespread acute malnutrition at population level." The survey did note lingering challenges such as stunting, poor diet diversity, and illness.
Danon specifically referenced past statements made by international officials, including U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, who in a 2025 BBC interview cited a figure about babies at risk of dying. This figure was later clarified as an 11-month projection involving children at risk of severe malnutrition. Danon called such statements "outrageous" and false.
Israel maintains records of food supplies entering Gaza, citing control over checkpoints as proof of sufficient provisions. "We know what they carry. Thus, we know there is no lack of food entering Gaza, and we always ensure sufficient supplies are brought in," Danon said, adding that falling market prices in Gaza indicate an improvement and no food shortage.
Danon also accused Hamas of hijacking aid distribution networks for financial gain, alleging that the group took aid and sold it in the market at inflated prices. He emphasized Israel's desire to work with NGOs not infiltrated by Hamas to ensure aid delivery.
The conflict began after Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. A ceasefire agreement took effect on Oct. 10, 2025. Israel withdrew its military and civilian presence from Gaza in 2005. Danon reiterated Israel's position that it has no desire to control Gaza but insists Hamas must disarm for progress to occur, stating, "Our vision remains unchanged: we have no desire to control Gaza. However, for progress to occur, Hamas must disarm and not move weapons from one warehouse to another."