UNICEF: Nearly 3,000 Children in Gaza at Risk of Death Amid Israeli Assault

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a grave warning about the dire situation in Gaza. Nearly 3,000 children suffering from malnutrition are facing life-threatening conditions due to a lack of medical treatment amid the ongoing Israeli assault on Rafah in southern Gaza.

In a recent statement, UNICEF highlighted a slight improvement in food aid delivery to northern Gaza. However, it noted a significant decline in humanitarian aid reaching the southern region, exacerbating the risk of malnutrition among children.

"The ongoing violence and displacement continue to hinder desperate families' access to healthcare facilities and services," the statement read.

UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr, expressed deep concern: "Harrowing images continue to emerge from Gaza, showing children dying in front of their families due to the persistent lack of food, nutritional supplies, and the destruction of healthcare services."

Khodr emphasized the urgency of resuming treatment for the 3,000 affected children to prevent severe health complications and life-threatening conditions. "Without prompt medical intervention, these children are at immediate risk of developing serious illnesses, suffering life-threatening complications, and joining the growing list of children who have died due to this preventable, man-made crisis," she added.

UNICEF's warning about the rising child mortality rate stems from a combination of preventable factors, including malnutrition, dehydration, and disease. These factors should have prompted immediate action to save children's lives, but the devastation continues.

"As hospitals are destroyed, treatments halted, and supplies run short, we are bracing for more child suffering and deaths," Khodr stated.

She also mentioned that UNICEF has additional pre-packaged nutritional supplies ready to be delivered to Gaza, pending access permissions. Khodr stressed the need for better operational conditions on the ground to enhance safety and reduce restrictions. Ultimately, she emphasized that what the children desperately need is a ceasefire.