United Nations, New York – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a dire warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr, highlighted the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid deliveries to prevent a rapid increase in child deaths in the besieged enclave.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 30,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict. The situation is exacerbated by the obstacles hindering access to essential aid, with over 100 civilians reportedly shot by the Israeli army while seeking assistance.
Khodr emphasized that the reported child deaths in Gaza are a result of man-made circumstances that could have been prevented. The lack of nutritious food, safe water, and medical services, compounded by various impediments to humanitarian operations, is having a devastating impact on children and mothers, particularly in the Northern Gaza Strip.
Amidst mounting pressure on the Israeli government to facilitate aid deliveries, the Biden administration has taken steps to address the humanitarian crisis. This includes launching an airdrop campaign to deliver essential supplies to Gaza and issuing statements critical of the obstacles restricting access to aid.
Vice President Kamala Harris urged the Israeli government to increase aid deliveries, referring to the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe” with no room for excuses. Khodr highlighted the critical conditions in northern Gaza, where ongoing conflict has made aid delivery more challenging, leading to alarming levels of malnutrition among children.
UNICEF had previously warned of an imminent increase in child deaths if the nutrition crisis in Gaza was not addressed promptly. The organization’s concerns have been exacerbated by the worsening conditions on the ground, highlighting the urgent need for an end to the conflict and immediate resolution of obstacles hampering humanitarian relief efforts.
President Joe Biden has expressed support for a six-week cease-fire to facilitate the flow of critical aid into Gaza. The Israeli government’s agreement to the proposed cease-fire framework marks a significant development in the negotiations, indicating progress towards addressing the pressing humanitarian needs in the region.
Vice President Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli cabinet minister Benny Gantz to discuss the cease-fire deal and ongoing efforts to provide essential humanitarian aid. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with child deaths expected to increase rapidly unless immediate action is taken to address the escalating crisis.