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.

Thousands of children have been killed and thousands more injured in the Gaza strip. The bombing of homes, shelters and hospitals have resulted in hundreds of children being killed and injured each day, while many more suffer from disease and malnutrition. Famine is imminent in the Gaza strip. UNICEF is working closely with partners to rush emergency humanitarian aid to children caught in conflict 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 

Children and families in the Gaza Strip have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following months of hostilities and a limited flow of supplies.  They face a deadly triple threat to their lives, as violence escalates, cases of diseases rise and nutrition plummets, raising concerns about acute malnutrition and a risk of famine in the Gaza strip.

Even before the renewed violence, the region was already facing a complex and challenging humanitarian situation and today 1.6 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 continues to stay and deliver. 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 in the Gaza Strip, working with partners to provide children and families with urgent, humanitarian support, including:

• Safe Water;
• Essential medical supplies;
• Hygiene Kits;
• Therapeutic food and nutritional supplements;
• Mental health and psychosocial support;
• Emergency supplies like blankets, warm clothes, 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 Oct 7 and will continue to do so through private advocacy and public statements. UNICEF senior officials have also travelled to Israel and met with families of the Israeli children held hostage. They listened to the concerns shared by the families and reiterated UNICEF's unwavering commitment to bringing the children home, so that they may be reunited with their loved ones.

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 33 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.