The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, particularly for children. According to UNICEF, the number of children admitted to hospitals for acute malnutrition has increased by 50% between April and May. This alarming rise is due to Israel’s restrictions on aid delivery, which have left thousands of children without access to basic necessities like food and water.
James Elder, a UNICEF spokesperson who recently visited Gaza, described the dire situation: “The wounds I saw on children were horrific… The lack of painkillers in hospitals meant that you’d hear the children screaming. It’s such a lack of humanity.” Elder emphasized that food and water are scarce, with Israel controlling the distribution system. This has led to widespread desperation, with many people willing to risk their lives to access aid.
Elder shared his personal experience of meeting Abed Al Rahman, a 13-year-old boy who was shot by Israeli forces while trying to collect aid. The boy’s family had lost everything in the conflict, and he had taken matters into his own hands to get food for his family. Elder also spoke about families who risk their lives to collect aid, with some being killed or injured in the process.
The situation is made worse by Israel’s blockade on fuel, which has left Gaza without electricity since October 7th. This has led to a severe water shortage, with over 95% of the population now facing critical shortages. Elder warned that the trauma caused by the ongoing conflict will have long-lasting effects on children, who are already struggling to cope.
The international community is calling for an end to the blockade and an increase in aid delivery to Gaza. However, many experts believe that these efforts may not be enough to address the underlying issues. As Elder aptly put it, “There’s nowhere else in the world where UNICEF has ever said that every single child needs mental-health support.” The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of prolonged conflict on innocent civilians, particularly children.
Source: https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/the-war-on-gazas-children