Plight of Gaza’s Children Underlines Urgent Need for Support
January 23, 2025
In an impassioned plea, the United Nations’ (UN) humanitarian chief has called for immediate action to address the dire situation facing children in the Gaza Strip.
“We must be there for them now,” said Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. “The future of Gaza’s children hangs in the balance.”
Griffiths’ remarks come amidst a surge in violence between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in an alarming number of civilian casualties, including many children. According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), at least 44 children have been killed in Gaza since the escalation began.
“These children are innocent victims of a conflict they have no control over,” Griffiths emphasized. “They deserve our protection and care.”
The situation in Gaza, which has been under Israeli blockade for over a decade, is particularly dire for children. Severe food insecurity, lack of access to clean water, and limited medical facilities have taken a devastating toll on their health and well-being.
UNICEF reports that nearly half of the children in Gaza suffer from chronic malnutrition, and over 250,000 are exposed to severe mental distress.
“The ongoing violence and the harsh living conditions in Gaza are creating a lost generation of children,” Griffiths warned. “We cannot afford to let this happen.”
The UN is calling for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. The organization is also urging the international community to provide urgent funding for essential services, such as healthcare, education, and protection programs for children.
“We must do everything in our power to support the people of Gaza, especially the children,” Griffiths said. “Their future and the future of the region depend on it.”
The UN’s humanitarian appeal for Gaza is currently facing a significant funding gap. The organization has called on donors to step up their contributions to ensure that the most vulnerable people in Gaza receive the assistance they need.
‘We must be there for them now,’ says UN relief chief, highlighting plight of Gaza’s children
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