Appeal for Wider and Safer Humanitarian Access
A senior official with the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appealed for broader and safer humanitarian access in Gaza to address the dire situation of malnourished babies facing imminent death.
Current Situation in Gaza
At least 10 children have tragically succumbed to dehydration and malnutrition in Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza in recent days, highlighting the urgent need for immediate intervention.
Desperate Conditions
UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr, expressed concerns about the dire conditions faced by children and families in Gaza, emphasizing the helplessness and despair prevailing in the region.
Call for Urgent Action
Ms. Khodr emphasized the critical need for urgent action to prevent further loss of life among children, stressing that the situation demands immediate resolution to ensure the well-being of thousands of vulnerable infants and children in Gaza.
Challenges in Providing Aid
UNICEF has raised concerns about the restrictions hindering humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, particularly in the northern region, where malnutrition rates among children are alarmingly high.
Efforts to Avert Famine
UNICEF and the UN World Food Programme have conducted screenings revealing the severity of malnutrition in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance to avert a potential famine and save lives.
Urgent Appeal for Support
Ms. Khodr reiterated the urgent need for reliable entry points and security assurances to facilitate the distribution of aid in Gaza, emphasizing the critical role of humanitarian agencies in addressing the escalating crisis.
Warning of Impending Tragedy
UNICEF has issued repeated warnings about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging immediate action to prevent a surge in child deaths and mitigate the escalating nutrition crisis.