NEW YORK, December 1, 2023 – “Today the Gaza Strip is once again the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. After seven days of calm from the terrible violence, fighting resumed. This will definitely cause more children to die.
“Before the break, more than 5,300 Palestinian children were reportedly killed in 48 days of relentless bombing – a figure that does not include many children still missing and presumed buried under rubble.
“If violence reaches this level and intensity again, we can expect hundreds more children to be killed and injured every day.” And if we fail to provide those in need with water, food, medicine, blankets and warm clothing We are threatened with a humanitarian catastrophe.
“It doesn’t have to be this way – for seven days there was a glimmer of hope for children in the midst of this terrible nightmare.
“More than 30 children held hostage in Gaza have been safely released and reunited with their families. And the humanitarian pause allowed an increase in deliveries of life-saving supplies to and in the Gaza Strip. UNICEF and our partners were able to significantly expand their operations and programs. And we were able to begin connecting separated children with their families.
“This was far from enough to meet the scale of humanitarian needs, but it was a start.” Now we need better safe and predictable access to reach the injured, displaced and traumatized children. And we need to care for children exposed to cold, wet weather.
“Children need a permanent humanitarian ceasefire.
“We call on all parties to ensure that children are protected and supported in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. All children in the State of Palestine and Israel deserve peace and hope for a better future.”
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