Gaza City, Gaza Strip – The United Nations issued a dire warning on Sunday, stating that child fatalities in Gaza are expected to rise dramatically if there is no immediate increase in humanitarian aid distribution. This comes as pressure mounts on the Israeli government regarding the humanitarian crisis resulting from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza since the onset of the conflict, with more than 100 civilians killed in a recent incident where the Israeli army opened fire on a crowd seeking assistance.
Adele Khodr, the regional director for the U.N.’s children’s aid organization, emphasized that many of the child deaths in Gaza are preventable and a direct result of the lack of essential resources such as nutritious food, safe water, and medical services. Access to these critical supplies is hindered by various obstacles facing UN humanitarian operations, especially in the Northern Gaza Strip.
As per Khodr, the situation is particularly dire in northern Gaza due to prolonged fighting and limited access to aid. A study conducted in January revealed that approximately 16 percent of children in the region exhibited signs of malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Biden administration has escalated diplomatic efforts, including launching an airdrop campaign in Gaza to deliver aid and conveying public criticism of the Israeli government.
Vice President Harris recently urged the Israeli government to ramp up aid deliveries in the face of what she described as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Khodr underscored that the ongoing conflict and ensuing humanitarian crisis have pushed the region to the brink, warning that child deaths are likely to escalate rapidly unless significant obstacles to humanitarian relief are promptly addressed and the war comes to an end.
President Biden has thrown his support behind a proposed six-week cease-fire in the region to facilitate the flow of critical aid into Gaza. In a positive development, the Israeli government agreed to the framework of the cease-fire over the weekend, signaling progress in the delicate negotiations.
To further address the crisis, Vice President Harris is scheduled to hold discussions with Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz at the White House on Monday to deliberate on the cease-fire agreement and strategies for enhancing humanitarian aid efforts. The meeting has elicited some controversy, with reports suggesting disapproval from Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly did not sanction the visit.