Cogat’s “in-depth” research “identified only a handful of actual cases”, concluding: “This discrepancy between the numerical reports and the individual publications raises doubts about their credibility.”
Of the cases it could identify, the review apparently found that most of them could be linked to “severe pre-existing conditions”.
Cogat went on: “The case-by-case analysis of the published deaths shows that most of those allegedly dying from malnutrition had preexisting medical conditions that led to the deterioration of their health, unrelated to their nutritional status. It was also found that some had even received medical treatment in Israel before the war.
"This indicates that the documented cases do not represent the condition of the general population in the Gaza Strip but rather selectively present extreme cases involving preexisting illnesses.”
The findings of the review have not yet been independently verified.
In its own statement on the conclusions, the IDF highlighted the case of four-year-old Abdullah Hanu Muhammad Abu Zarqa, who was listed among the MoH’s data.
It said: “[He] has a genetic disease causing deficiencies, osteoporosis, and bone thinning.
"Four months before the outbreak of the war, he traveled with his mother to receive medical treatment in East Jerusalem.”
A military spokesperson added: “The expert review concluded that there are no signs of a widespread malnutrition phenomenon among the population in Gaza.
“Hamas cynically exploits tragic images and misuses them for a false and timed propaganda campaign aimed at generating pressure and creating negative public opinion against Israel.
"The IDF, through Cogat, will continue working to improve the humanitarian response in Gaza, in cooperation with the international community, while rejecting allegations of famine in Gaza.”
