The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has said nearly 19,000 children in Gaza have been hospitalised for acute malnutrition in the past four months, Al Jazeera reports.

According to UNRWA, the number is nearly double the cases recorded in the first half of the year in the besieged enclave.

The surge comes as Israel continues to restrict the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. It has also largely blocked all aid to besieged North Gaza since October 6. Among the items in short supply is baby formula.

UNRWA says one of its only functioning health centres recently received its first delivery in three months, but has only just six boxes to distribute.

“Immediate aid and a ceasefire now are vital to save lives,” it says.