New York (United Nations) – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has described the ongoing situation in Gaza as a “war on children,” emphasizing the global responsibility to end the suffering. According to UNICEF’s communication officer for Gaza, Rosalia Paulin, the relentless violence has left children physically and psychologically scarred, with hunger and malnutrition threatening their survival.
Speaking from Gaza, Paulin stated:
“The children of Gaza are sick, exhausted, and traumatized. For over 14 months, they have lived on the edge of this nightmare, with over 14,500 children reportedly killed and thousands more injured.”
She underscored the urgent need for collective action:
“Immediate steps must be taken to alleviate the suffering of these children. We can use our voices, political influence, and diplomatic channels to evacuate critically injured children and their parents to seek life-saving medical care.”
Paulin warned that every day without action further diminishes the hope for these children, stressing:
“This war should haunt us all. Gaza’s children cannot wait any longer.”
A Humanitarian Catastrophe
Louise Wotridge, Emergency Officer for UNRWA, highlighted the severe food crisis in Gaza, noting that limited resources have forced the agency to prioritize food over shelter assistance.
She remarked:
“We have supplies waiting outside Gaza for over six months. This is the grim reality for humanitarian workers here: choosing between feeding people and providing them with shelter.”
From Nuseirat in central Gaza, Wotridge described the dire living conditions, stating:
“With 69% of buildings either damaged or destroyed, families not only face the harsh winter without adequate shelter but are also unprotected from bombings and airstrikes.”
She recounted stories of children injured by shrapnel from airstrikes occurring kilometers away because tents and fabric are their only shield against violence.
Unseen Suffering
Wotridge also spoke of the hidden aspects of the crisis:
“We’ve seen young children losing limbs, families trapped under rubble while rescue teams are denied access, and people scavenging for scraps in garbage to feed their loved ones. However, the unseen pain is just as harrowing.”
She noted that UNRWA was forced to leave Rafah, once a hub for humanitarian operations, in May. Access to this critical area remains restricted, severely hampering relief efforts.
Journalists on the Frontline
Wotridge praised journalists in Gaza as heroes for bringing the harsh realities to global attention. Yet, she pointed out that the images seen in reports and on social media are from those fortunate enough to escape imminent danger.
No Escape from Despair
As the year nears its end, more than two million people remain trapped in Gaza, enduring appalling conditions and deprived of basic necessities. Wotridge lamented:
“For the people of Gaza, escape is not an option. Every road seems to lead to death.”
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
