Save the Children warns of dire Impact on children in Gaza Strip

Jason Lee, Save the Children's country director in the occupied Palestinian territories, revealed that more than 10 children per day, on average, have lost one or both of their legs in Gaza since the beginning of Israel's comprehensive aggression on the besieged territory in early October.

Lee, while describing the dire humanitarian situation in the Israeli-bombarded enclave on Sunday, warned that the killing and maiming of children are grave violations of their rights. "The suffering of children in this conflict is unimaginable and even more so because it is unnecessary and completely avoidable," he said, emphasizing that the international community must take serious action to stop violations and hold Israel accountable for crimes against children.

He called on the international community to uphold responsibilities under International Humanitarian Law and prevent the most serious crimes, stating that history will and should judge everyone. Lee stressed the need for urgent action to prevent "atrocity crimes" from unfolding and highlighted the overwhelming challenges faced by medical professionals in Gaza, witnessing children in immense pain with insufficient equipment and medicines.

Since October 7, more than 1,000 children in Gaza have had one or both legs amputated, according to UNICEF. Many of these operations were conducted without anesthesia due to the crippled healthcare system in Gaza, marked by shortages of medical personnel, supplies, and equipment.

Lee underscored that children in Gaza are experiencing widespread destruction, relentless attacks, explosions, and a severe shortage of necessities. He emphasized the vulnerability of small children caught up in explosions and called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Agency (UNICEF) has decried the “staggering” number of children casualties in Gaza. Only a definitive ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid can end the killing and maiming of civilians, including critical medicines for wounded children, Lee stated.

In the three months since October 7, around 23,000 Palestinians have been killed, and 57,000 others injured, with children being maimed and killed at a devastating rate, according to reports. The U.S. has provided Israel with thousands of arms consignments during this period. (ILKHA)