Gaza and Israel Crisis

As violence escalates in Gaza, the lives of one million children are once again in immediate danger. UNICEF urges all parties to reinstate the ceasefire immediately and sustain it to ensure life-saving supplies can safely reach children and families in Gaza.   

The scale of humanitarian needs is enormous. Since October 2023, 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.  

The rights of every single child, no matter who or where they are, must be protected. UNICEF continues to call on all parties to allow safe, unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach every child, and for the immediate and safe release of all hostages.

HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA   

The situation is catastrophic. Children and families in the Gaza Strip are facing the deadly effects of disease and malnutrition as the conflict has cut them off from safe water, food and medicine.  

• The destruction of health and water facilities, coupled with overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, has led to disease outbreaks including the re-emergence of polio after being eradicated for 25 years.
• Food insecurity has worsened and exposes 322,000 children to the risk of malnutrition.
• Attacks on schools – many serving as shelters – have severely impacted the resumption of learning, leaving nearly 660,000 children out of school and potentially setting back their education by five years. 

There is no safe space for children as the humanitarian crisis deepens. 

HOW IS UNICEF RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN GAZA?

Despite the challenging humanitarian and security situation, UNICEF remains in Gaza, working with partners to provide children and families with life-saving support and services, including:  

• 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; and
• Recreational activities for children. 

We will never give up. Since January 2025, UNICEF has:    

• Distributed nutritional supplements, including high-energy biscuits to 224,000 people;
• Reached over 200,000 people with sanitation and hygiene services;
• Supported over 51,000 children with primary health services, including health consultations and vaccinations. 

More work remains to be done. Donate today to help us reach more children and families affected by this crisis.

IS UNICEF IN ISRAEL? 

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.