UNICEF's Concern
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Gaza Strip has become the most dangerous place in the world for children. This is because of the ongoing Israeli aggression, which has resulted in the deaths of over 16,000 Palestinians, many of whom are women and children.
The Impact on Children
Adele Khader, the Director of UNICEF's branch in the Middle East and North Africa, stated that around one million children have been forced to leave their homes. As a result, the Gaza Strip has turned into a dangerous place for children to live.
Reports show that dozens of children are being killed and injured every day. The neighborhoods where they used to play and go to school have been destroyed, leaving behind only rubble.
The Reality on the Ground
UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies have been raising concerns about the situation for weeks. Their team on the ground has interviewed children who have lost limbs, suffered severe burns, and experienced trauma due to the ongoing violence.
These children have been displaced from their homes and are now living in small, crowded areas without access to water, food, or protection. This puts them at a higher risk of respiratory infections and waterborne diseases. They are also threatened by dehydration, malnutrition, and other illnesses.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
UNICEF emphasizes that the restrictions and challenges in delivering life-saving aid to the Gaza Strip are making the situation even worse for children. The amount of aid being brought in is not enough to meet the needs of the people, especially with the bombings and fuel shortages.
UNICEF calls for an immediate and permanent humanitarian ceasefire to protect children and enable the delivery of life-saving aid. They also stress the importance of allowing humanitarian aid to enter on a large scale to prevent further suffering.
Safe Access for Humanitarian Organizations
UNICEF insists that they and other humanitarian organizations should have safe access to all children and their families in the Gaza Strip, including the north. They believe that the world needs to act quickly to address this crisis.
Source: Anadolu Agency
