Barrier Analysis and In-depth Qualitative Interviews Report

Highlights

Palestinians are facing a double burden of malnutrition; high levels of micronutrient deficiencies alongside increasing obesity rates and undernourishment.1 Children under the age of five in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are particularly vulnerable as a result of micronutrient deficiencies, as well as pregnant and lactating women (PLW).2 In the Access-Restricted Areas (ARA) in the Gaza Strip, 18% of pregnant women and 14% of lactating mothers who live in ARA are undernourished. 86% of children under five living in ARA did not have a minimal accepted diet3. A number of factors contribute to the malnutrition rates. Inhabitants in these areas are exposed to chronic and acute political violence, including settler violence and forced evacuation. They are isolated and marginalised and face persistent restrictions on their movement and access to resources and services.