In a rare moment of cautious optimism, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher addressed the Security Council on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza on Thursday, emphasizing the plight of children who have borne the brunt of the conflict. ”Today marks one of the rare times we are able to highlight positive developments, albeit amid catastrophic humanitarian needs in Gaza,” Mr. Fletcher began.
He noted that the recent ceasefire has provided a much-needed reprieve from relentless hostilities, allowing for a surge in life-saving humanitarian aid. Mr. Fletcher expressed gratitude to the mediators – Egypt, Qatar, and the United States – for their efforts in upholding the ceasefire. ”We can save more lives if all parties continue to honour the deal,” he said. However, Mr. Fletcher did not shy away from detailing the harrowing experiences of Palestinian children over the past 15 months. ”Children have been killed, starved, and frozen to death. “They have been maimed, orphaned, or separated from their family,” he stated, adding that over 17,000 children are currently without their families in Gaza.
The situation for pregnant women and new mothers is equally dire, with an estimated 150,000 in desperate need of health services. ”Some children died before their first breath – perishing with their mothers in childbirth,” Mr. Fletcher lamented. Education has also been severely impacted, with many children losing their schools and struggling to access necessary care for chronic illnesses. ”Many have faced sexual violence,” Mr. Fletcher revealed, highlighting the additional indignity faced by girls who lack access to menstrual care.
According to UNICEF, one million children in Gaza are in need of mental health and psycho-social support for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. ”A generation has been traumatised,” Mr. Fletcher declared. Despite these challenges, the ceasefire has allowed humanitarian organizations to step up their response. ”Safe, unobstructed humanitarian access, alongside the absence of hostilities and the almost complete cessation of criminal looting, have significantly improved our ability to operate,” Mr. Fletcher reported.
Source: The UN
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