UNICEF calls for immediate ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid
By Sr. Titilayo Aduloju, SSMA
UNICEF reports that 2,360 children have died in Gaza since 7 October and that over 5,360 have been injured. At least 30 Israeli children were killed in Hamas’ surprise attack that day, while dozens more are still being held hostage in Gaza.
The UN children’s agency also noted that there has also been an alarming increase in fatalities in the West Bank, with at least 160 children injured and 28 children killed.
The war, which has stretched for 18 days, is the deadliest surge in hostilities between Israel and militants in Gaza since the UN began its mission there in 2006.
UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr, therefore called for an immediate ceasefire and unhampered access to humanitarian assistance.
Deadly attacks on children
In the Gaza Strip, children are experiencing traumatic events, including constant attacks, displacement, and chronic shortages of basic essentials, such as food, water, and medicine.
“The killing and maiming of children, the abduction of children, attacks on hospitals and schools, and the denial of humanitarian access constitute serious violations of children's rights," said Mr. Khodr. “The rate of deaths and injuries among children is simply staggering.”
‘Stain on our collective conscience’
Mr. Khodr called the situation in the Gaza Strip is “a growing stain on our collective conscience.”
"Even more frightening is the fact that unless tensions are eased and humanitarian aid, including food, water, medical supplies, and fuel, is authorised, the daily death toll will continue to rise,” he said.
Fuel is crucial for the functioning of essential facilities such as hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations. Neonatal intensive care units house over 100 infants, some of whom are in incubators and rely on mechanical ventilation, making uninterrupted power supply a matter of life and death.
“The death toll will increase exponentially if incubators start to fail, if hospitals are in darkness if children continue to drink unsafe water and have no access to medicine when they fall ill,” said Mr. Khodr.
Urgent call for ceasefire
UNICEF appealed to “all parties to accept a ceasefire, allow humanitarian access, and release all hostages.”
“Even wars have rules. Civilians must be protected - especially children - and everything possible must be done to spare them under all circumstances," said the statement.
Gaza population
Children, who make up around 50% of the total population of nearly 2.3 million in the Gaza Strip, are particularly affected by the severe water scarcity.
The majority of water systems in Gaza have been heavily impacted or made inoperative due to a number of issues, including a scarcity of fuel and damage to essential production, treatment, and distribution infrastructure.
Five wastewater treatment plants have also ceased operations for lack of fuel, resulting in more than 120,000 cubic metres of wastewater being discharged into the sea.
Presently, water production capacity in Gaza is only 5% of usual daily production and people most at risk often turn to non-potable water sources, such as water from agricultural wells with high salinity and brackish quality.
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