UNICEF, the UN agency for children, reported that one million children in Gaza are “struggling to survive” due to Israel’s blockade on all humanitarian aid into the enclave.
“One Million children are struggling to survive amid lack of basic necessities,” UNICEF said, adding “Hundreds of thousands now don’t have clean water and sanitation services.”
It is “urgent” to allow at least some water and electricity to reach the enclave in order to save children’s lives, said UNICEF regional director Edouard Beigbeder from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
For 16 days, nearly two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been deprived of food and drinking water, as the Israeli occupation continues to close all border crossings, blocking desperately needed aid and essential supplies.
Hard-Won Food Security Gains in Gaza at Risk Due to Israel’s Border Closures: World Food Programme
With the closure of border crossings, hard-won food security gains are now at risk, warns the World Food Programme (WFP).
The organization has raised alarms over a worsening food crisis in Gaza. No food supplies have entered the besieged strip since March 2 due to Israel’s closure of all border crossings.
WFP added that during the ceasefire it scaled up its aid efforts. It has reportedly delivered over 40,000 tons of food, nutrition support, and cash assistance.
With Israel’s border closures preventing humanitarian and commercial supplies, food prices have surged. Some staple foods now cost over 200% more than before.
WFP called to prioritize humanitarian needs and allow aid into Gaza. The organization stressed that continued access is critical to prevent a deepening crisis.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, began on January 19. It included a prisoner exchange between the resistance and Israel and was structured in three phases, each lasting 42 days.
Between October 7, 2023, and January 19, 2025, Israel carried out genocide in Gaza. Over 160,000 Palestinians were killed or injured, most of them women and children. More than 14,000 remain missing.
