UNICEF: Children of Gaza Caught in 'Nightmare'

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), raised the alarm that more than 1.1 million children in the Gaza Strip are threatened by intensifying conflict, malnutrition, and the spread of diseases.

In a statement, Catherine Russell, UNICEF's executive director, said: "Children in Gaza are caught in a nightmare that worsens with every passing day."

She noted that children and families continue to be killed and injured, and their lives are increasingly at risk from preventable diseases and lack of food and water.

"All children and civilians must be protected from violence and have access to basic services and supplies," Russell stressed.

According to UNICEF, the ongoing conflict has damaged or destroyed essential water, sanitation and health systems in the Gaza Strip, and has limited the ability to treat severe malnutrition. Moreover, displaced children and their families are unable to maintain the necessary hygiene levels needed to prevent disease, given the alarming lack of safe water and sanitation, with many resorting to open defecation.