Gaza Ceasefire Breakdown Leaves Hundreds of Children Dead and Injured, UNICEF Calls for Urgent Action.
AMMAN:
The recent collapse of the ceasefire and the resumption of heavy bombardments and ground operations in the Gaza Strip have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 322 children and left 609 others injured, according to UNICEF. This marks a horrific toll, with an average of around 100 children killed or maimed daily over the past 10 days. Many of these children were living in precarious conditions, displaced from their homes and seeking shelter in makeshift tents or already damaged houses. The devastating figures include children who were tragically killed or injured during an attack on 23 March, when the surgical department of Al Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza was struck.
The violence, compounded by the complete blockade on supplies entering Gaza for over three weeks, has exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation in the region. The lack of essential resources such as food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter is pushing Gaza’s civilian population – especially its one million children – to the brink of collapse.
A Crisis of Unimaginable Proportions
“The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza’s children and hope for a path to recovery,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation. All parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children.”
Nearly 18 months into the ongoing conflict, more than 15,000 children have reportedly been killed, with over 34,000 injured and nearly one million displaced. With no aid allowed into Gaza since 2 March – marking the longest aid blockade since the war’s outset – conditions continue to worsen. Malnutrition, disease, and preventable deaths are rapidly becoming more common as basic services are obliterated.
Severe Humanitarian Strain
The inability to send vital aid has left humanitarian organizations under severe strain. Critical supplies, including food and medical care, are increasingly scarce. Medical facilities and aid workers are also under attack, with hundreds of aid workers having been killed or injured in the line of duty. These attacks are in direct violation of international humanitarian law and threaten the continuity of life-saving operations that so many children depend on for survival and protection.
Despite the overwhelming risks, UNICEF remains committed to providing support to children and their families, continuing its work on the ground to deliver essential services despite the threat of violence. However, the agency has reiterated its urgent call for all parties to cease hostilities and reinstate the ceasefire.
A Call for Immediate Action
UNICEF is calling for immediate action to address the escalating crisis. The agency has demanded the lifting of the blockade on Gaza to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and commercial goods. Additionally, they have stressed the urgent need to evacuate sick and injured children for medical treatment. The safety of civilians, including children and humanitarian workers, must be guaranteed, and the remaining essential infrastructure must be protected. Furthermore, the release of hostages remains a critical priority.
UNICEF has also appealed to states with influence to use their diplomatic leverage to halt the conflict and ensure full respect for international law, particularly in safeguarding children and civilians from further harm.
“The world must not stand by and allow the killing and suffering of children to continue,” Russell stated. “It is time to act.”
Conclusion
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, UNICEF’s urgent calls for a ceasefire and the protection of vulnerable children grow louder. The international community must take immediate and concrete steps to halt the violence, ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and protect the rights of children who are enduring unimaginable suffering in the midst of this brutal conflict.
