Gaza 'most dangerous place in the world to be a child' - UNICEF
Executive Director Catherine Russell, reported to the U.N. Security Council that over 5,300 Palestinian children have been killed since the conflict escalated on Oct. 7, following an attack by Palestinian militants of Hamas.
Israel's retaliation has been focused on Gaza, heavily affecting its population of 2.3 million. The recent war's true cost, according to Russell, is measured in the impact on children, both in lives lost and in the lasting trauma experienced.
The conflict has seen Israel conducting air bombardments, imposing sieges, and deploying soldiers and tanks into Gaza. Russell emphasized the catastrophic, indiscriminate, and disproportionate effects of the violence on children in Gaza. Amidst this, Israel agreed to a four-day ceasefire with Hamas to allow humanitarian aid and facilitate an exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Sima Bahous, U.N. Women Executive Director, conveyed the despair of Gaza's women, many of whom pray for peace or a merciful end amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan accused Hamas of exploiting children in Gaza, asserting that Israel's military actions would resume after the ceasefire to dismantle Hamas' capabilities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire but stressed the need for further action to alleviate suffering. The dire situation in Gaza also extends to maternal health, as highlighted by the head of the U.N Population Fund (UNFPA), Natalia Kanem. She raised concerns about the 5,500 pregnant women in Gaza, many of whom face delivery in appalling conditions, and the lack of access to essential services for thousands of women who recently gave birth.
