Gaza City, Gaza Strip – Child deaths in Gaza are on the brink of a rapid increase, warned the United Nations on Sunday, highlighting the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid deliveries. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians, with over 100 civilians shot by the Israeli army while seeking aid.
Adele Khodr, the regional director for the U.N.’s children’s aid organization, emphasized the preventable nature of the reported child deaths in Gaza, attributing them to the lack of essential resources like nutritious food, safe water, and medical services. Khodr stated that the obstacles to accessing these necessities are directly impacting children and mothers, hindering their ability to care for themselves and their babies, especially in the Northern Gaza Strip.
The Biden administration has increased pressure on the Israeli government to ramp up humanitarian aid efforts, including launching an airdrop campaign in Gaza. Vice President Kamala Harris described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe,” urging the Israeli government to step up its aid deliveries without delay.
Khodr highlighted the dire conditions in northern Gaza, where prolonged fighting has made aid less accessible. A study conducted in January revealed that approximately 16 percent of children in the region showed signs of malnutrition. UNICEF had previously warned of an impending increase in child deaths if the nutrition crisis was not addressed promptly, a warning that unfortunately became a reality.
President Biden has expressed support for a six-week cease-fire in the conflict to facilitate the flow of critical aid into Gaza. Over the weekend, the Israeli government agreed to the framework of the proposed cease-fire, marking a significant step forward in negotiations. Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli cabinet minister Benny Gantz to discuss the cease-fire deal and humanitarian aid.
The escalating situation in Gaza has drawn international attention and calls for immediate action to prevent further loss of life. The focus is on ending the conflict and resolving obstacles to humanitarian relief to avert a further humanitarian catastrophe. The need for collaboration and swift intervention is critical in ensuring the well-being and safety of the vulnerable populations in Gaza.