KUALA LUMPUR – The constant bombardment of Gaza has turned it into a “graveyard for thousands of children” and a “living hell for everyone else”, said the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
In a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Unicef spokesman James Elder said the death toll is “appalling”, as more than 3,450 children have been killed and the number is rising significantly every day.
“And yet the threats to children go beyond bombs and mortars. The more than one million children of Gaza also have a water crisis.
“Gaza’s water production capacity is a mere 5% of its usual daily output. Child deaths – particularly infants – to dehydration are a growing threat.”
He also highlighted the trauma that would haunt the surviving children and their communities for generations to come.
“Before this latest escalation, more than 800,000 children in Gaza – three quarters of its entire child population – were identified as needing mental health and psychosocial support.
“We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. And all access crossings into Gaza must be opened for the safe, sustained, and unimpeded access of humanitarian aid, including water, food, medical supplies, and fuel.
“And if there is no ceasefire, no water, no medicine, and no release of abducted children? Then we hurtle towards even greater horrors afflicting innocent children.”
Earlier today, the Palestine Red Crescent tweeted that it received 59 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing in Egypt.
The trucks contain food, medicines, relief items, and medical supplies. So far, a total of 217 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have passed the crossing. However, fuel has not been allowed in. – November 1, 2023