UNICEF denounces extreme trauma and starvation of children in Gaza

UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban has denounced before the United Nations (UN) the extreme deterioration of the living conditions of children in Gaza , who face a devastating situation as a result of the war between Israel and the Hamas group . During his report after a five-day mission to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, Chaiban described Palestinian children as “starved, bombed and displaced” , making an urgent call to the international community to act.

Since the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023 , more than 18,000 children have died in the Palestinian enclave. Thousands more have been injured or forced to flee their homes. The UNICEF representative emphasized that these children are not victims of a natural disaster, but of a war where the basic protections of international humanitarian law are not being respected.

One of the most powerful moments in Chaiban's testimony was his account of the airstrike in Deir el-Balah , where ten children were killed and nineteen injured as they queued for a UNICEF-supported nutrition clinic. He also recounted the story of Ahmed, a 10-year-old boy traumatized after witnessing the death of his older sister, as an example of the deep emotional trauma affecting an entire generation.

The official was clear: " Children shouldn't die waiting in line for food or water ." He also denounced the fact that desperation among the population has reached extreme levels, causing stampedes during aid distribution.

Despite some progress, such as partial access facilitated by Israel , the influx of humanitarian aid remains clearly insufficient. UNICEF has 1,500 trucks of supplies ready at strategic points in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Turkey, but only a fraction has been able to enter Gaza. Of the trucks that have managed to enter, a third are carrying baby formula , but it is estimated that at least 500 trucks are needed daily to cover minimum needs.

Chaiban warned that airdrops cannot replace ground transportation or ensure equitable distribution. To address the emergency, he proposed activating all possible routes , including agreements with local businesses in Israel and the West Bank to guarantee access to fresh food and essential proteins.

The figures reveal a critical situation: one in three Gazans goes days without eating , and the rate of acute child malnutrition exceeds 16.5% in several areas of the enclave. More than 320,000 children under the age of five are at immediate risk of severe malnutrition. The lack of clean water , combined with extreme temperatures, creates an ideal environment for epidemic outbreaks , especially among children, who are more vulnerable to infections.

Chaiban warned that the lack of hygiene infrastructure and safe water represents an imminent risk of infectious diseases , adding another threat to the already dire public health situation.

In addition to hunger and physical violence, UNICEF warns of the lasting impact on the mental health of Gazan children . Constant fear, the loss of loved ones, and displacement have left deep scars on children, whose recovery will require years of specialized psychological support .

In response, the agency has redoubled its efforts to maintain its active presence in the region: delivering 2.4 million liters of drinking water daily, restoring the cold chain for vaccines , caring for newborns and distributing infant formula for the most vulnerable, in addition to providing psychosocial support to affected children.

Chaiban concluded his remarks with a clear call: “This has gone on for too long.” He called for an urgent increase in humanitarian aid and commercial traffic , as well as the negotiation of a complete cessation of hostilities and the release of all hostages . He clarified that the current humanitarian pauses do not amount to a ceasefire , and that a comprehensive solution is needed to stop the suffering of children.

The situation in Gaza constitutes a humanitarian emergency of historic proportions , and every day of inaction jeopardizes the future of thousands of children. UNICEF is urging the world not to look the other way .