The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached devastating levels, with grave warnings from UNICEF about an impending famine and a catastrophic decline in living conditions for children and families.
Kazem Abu Khalaf, spokesperson for UNICEF, said: "We are in a long journey through a dark tunnel of suffering caused by the Israeli siege, which has persisted for 19 months of continuous war and bombardment."
He warned that signs of famine are already emerging in Gaza and are expected to worsen between May and September if no immediate humanitarian intervention occurs.
Reflecting on a brief 42-day ceasefire that offered temporary relief earlier in the conflict, Abu Khalaf described it as "a dream" for Gaza’s residents, emphasizing the desperate need for sustained aid and security.
"The Palestinian people are enduring extreme hardships on every level," he said, noting that 90% of Gaza’s population now faces food insecurity. Tens of thousands of children are suffering from malnutrition and urgently require nutritional treatment, he added.
Malnutrition is not only affecting children, Abu Khalaf explained, but also pregnant and breastfeeding women, placing newborns at high risk of being underweight and vulnerable to long-term health complications.
He highlighted a 250% increase in malnutrition cases compared to last year, with areas like Gaza City, North Gaza, and Rafah among the hardest hit. These regions have borne the brunt of ongoing military operations, which have directly impacted access to food, clean water, and healthcare.
In a powerful closing statement, Abu Khalaf said: "For Gaza’s children today, a simple bite of food or a sip of clean water has become nothing short of a dream."
UNICEF continues to call for urgent international action to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and to prevent the full-scale famine looming over Gaza.
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