Gaza and Israel Crisis

UNICEF continues to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access in Gaza, along with the safe release of all abducted children.

After more than a year of intense hostilities, thousands of children have been killed and thousands more injured in the Gaza strip. The crisis has left up to 1.9 million people – about 9 in 10 of Gaza’s population – internally displaced. A high risk of famine persists. Hunger and disease, including the resurfacing of polio, threaten children’s lives.  

With the arrival of winter, children and families already experiencing loss and displacement will also have to face strong winds, falling temperatures and heavy rains without adequate shelter or warmth.  

UNICEF is working closely with partners to rush emergency humanitarian aid, including essential winter supplies, to children in Gaza.  

Following the deadly attacks on Israel on October 7th, UNICEF continues to call for the safe release of children being held hostage in Gaza so that they may be reunited with their families and loved ones.  

The killing, maiming and abduction of children are grave violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and UNICEF calls on all parties not to target children.  

The rights of every single child, no matter who or where they are, must be protected. UNICEF calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access in Gaza and for all parties to unconditionally protect children from harm.  

HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA  

Today, children and families in the Gaza Strip are facing the deadly effects of disease and malnutrition as the ongoing conflict cuts them off from safe water, food and medicine.

Even before the renewed violence, the region was already facing a complex and challenging humanitarian situation and today over 1.5 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.  

Despite challenges to distribution of aid and dangers faced by humanitarian workers, UNICEF is actively present in Gaza delivering life-saving medicine, nutrition, water, protection and more. And as winter weather sets in, UNICEF is also enhancing shelter conditions, distributing heating equipment and delivering warm clothes and blankets to protect children from the elements.

We will not give up. UNICEF is calling for all humanitarian aid workers including UNICEF staff, and those they serve, to be protected, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. 

HOW IS UNICEF RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN GAZA?

Despite the extreme security situation, UNICEF is still able to get aid in the Gaza Strip, working with partners to provide children and families with urgent, humanitarian support, including: 

• Winter supplies, including heating equipment, warm clothes and blankets; 
• Safe Water; 
• Essential medical supplies; 
• Hygiene Kits; 
• Therapeutic food and nutritional supplements; 
• Mental health and psychosocial support; 
• Emergency supplies like tarps and tents; 
• Essential vaccines; 
• Recreational activities for children; and 
• Humanitarian cash transfers. 

UNICEF deliveries of life-saving supplies for children are being delivered in Gaza, but as the humanitarian crisis continues to soar, and access remains difficult and dangerous, more resources are critical to meet the immense needs of children.  

WHAT IS UNICEF DOING FOR ISRAELI CHILDREN?

UNICEF has called for the safe release of Israeli children being held hostage since the crisis escalated on October 7th and will continue to do so through private advocacy and public statements.

In high-income countries such as Israel, governments generally have the capacity to respond to emergencies. In extraordinary circumstances, upon request from the Government, UNICEF may consider extending support, such as psychosocial support for children.

UNICEF Israel is one of UNICEF’s 32 National Committees, like UNICEF Canada. It was established in 2009 and works to raise awareness of children’s rights in Israel and to raise funds for UNICEF’s life-saving work across the world.