UNICEF expressed deep concern, noting that "thousands of children in Gaza have been killed, while the living conditions for other children deteriorate rapidly with the spread of cases of diarrhea and food poverty, increasing the risks of child mortality."
Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, underscored the dire situation, stating, "Children in Gaza are trapped in a worsening nightmare day after day." She emphasized that children and their families in the region are facing not only the direct impact of aggression but also heightened risks due to preventable diseases, along with scarcity of essential resources like food and water.
Russell emphasized the urgent need to protect all children and civilians and provide them with essential services and supplies. She highlighted UNICEF's ongoing efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to children in Gaza but stressed the critical necessity for better and safer access to aid in order to save lives.
Drawing attention to the gravity of the situation, Russell asserted, "The future of thousands of children in Gaza is at stake, and the world cannot stand by and watch."
Earlier reports from UNICEF had indicated a significant increase in cases of diarrhea among children in the Gaza Strip, serving as a distressing indicator of the rapid deterioration of children's health. The number of cases rose from 48,000 to 71,000 in just one week, starting from December 17th, translating to an alarming 3,200 new cases of diarrhea per day among children under the age of five.
Since October 7th, the zionist occupation army, with support from American and European entities, has continued its aggression on the Gaza Strip. The assault includes airstrikes and artillery bombardments on hospitals, buildings, towers, and homes of Palestinian civilians.
The devastating impact has led to massive destruction of infrastructure, resulting in an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. The death toll stands at 22,600 people, with 57,910 others injured, predominantly children and women, amid the ongoing crisis. (ILKHA)