In a statement released by UNICEF, it was reported that over 700,000 children in Gaza have been displaced due to the harsh Israeli attacks on the region. These children have been forced to leave everything behind and are in urgent need of assistance. UNICEF called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access to provide aid to those affected.
UNICEF also warned about the dire humanitarian situation faced by children in Gaza, as the ongoing Israeli aggression has severely impacted medical and healthcare services. Adele Khodr, UNICEF Middle East and North Africa Regional Director, expressed concern for children in northern Gaza who are at extreme risk due to the intensifying hostilities. She called for an end to attacks on healthcare facilities and the urgent delivery of fuel and medical supplies to all parts of Gaza.
The lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities has increased the risk of waterborne diseases, particularly for children. The total number of displaced people in Gaza, which has surpassed 1.5 million, are living in appalling sanitary conditions, further exacerbating the crisis.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also raised the alarm, stating that a child is killed every 10 minutes in the besieged Gaza Strip. They warned that nowhere and no one is safe under Israel’s relentless onslaught.
From a legal standpoint, the UN official stated that Israel’s claim of self-defense is non-existent, as the Tel Aviv regime has shown disregard for proportionality in their continuous bombardment of Gaza.
The war on Gaza was initiated by Israel on October 7 in response to Hamas’ Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, a surprise attack against the occupying entity. The Israeli regime’s long history of suppression and devastation against Palestinians prompted this response.
According to the Gaza-based health ministry, the Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 11,240 Palestinians, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women. Additionally, 29,000 others have been injured in these attacks.