Kazem Abukhaf, spokesperson for UNICEF, emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, describing it as “catastrophic by all measures” due to the staggering number of casualties and injuries, especially among children.
He highlighted the severe issues of hunger, malnutrition, and the spread of diseases and epidemics, noting that there are approximately 800,000 cases of respiratory illnesses, jaundice, skin diseases, and high fever.
Abukhaf stated that over 70% of Gaza’s population, particularly in the northern regions, live below the hunger line, exacerbated by the severe restriction of humanitarian aid and the closure of border crossings amid ongoing Israeli military operations.
He pointed out the extreme difficulties UNICEF faces in delivering even a single truckload of aid daily, with delays at checkpoints lasting up to ten hours, and called for increased humanitarian aid to prevent a famine in Gaza.
He reported that many civilians, including children, remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes due to the prohibition on heavy machinery needed for debris removal.
The spokesperson revealed that 17,000 children have lost their parents, and over 12,000 children are injured.
UNICEF has plans to address the current crises in Gaza post-conflict, although implementation is highly challenging.
He further mentioned the long-term psychological impact on children, many of whom will require extensive treatment and recovery time.
UNICEF is preparing plans to reintegrate children into the educational system through safe spaces for learning and play. However, this can only proceed once the conflict ceases.
UNICEF continues to provide services to Palestinians in Gaza based on daily assessments of the ongoing conflict.
Aboukhalaf stressed that the instability hinders effective planning and delivery of aid, which is why an immediate ceasefire is critical.
The spokesperson concluded by noting that it would take six to eight weeks to treat cases of child malnutrition in Gaza, reiterating that the first essential step towards resolving the crisis is an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
