With 2,360 confirmed fatalities and 5,364 reported injuries from relentless strikes, or more than 400 children reportedly killed or injured per day, the Gaza Strip has seen a terrible toll on its youngsters over the past 18 days. Furthermore, it is alleged that around thirty Israeli children have perished, and many more are still being held captive in the Gaza Strip. The 18-day period is the bloodiest increase in hostilities between israel and the Gaza Strip that the UN has seen since 2006.

Nearly all of the children in the Gaza Strip have experienced traumatic events and situations that are extremely upsetting. These experiences include massive damage, constant assaults, relocation, and acute shortages of basic supplies like food, water, and medication.

According to Adele Khodr, UNICEF's Regional director for the Middle east and North Africa, "the killing and maiming of children, the abduction of children, the attacks on hospitals and schools, and the denial of humanitarian access constitute grave violations of children's rights." "All parties are strongly urged by UNICEF to agree to a truce, permit humanitarian access, and free all captives. Rules apply even during conflicts. Children in particular need to be protected, and in every situation, attempts should be made to spare them.

There has apparently been an alarming increase in casualties in the West bank as well; at least 160 children have reportedly been injured and about a hundred Palestinians, including 28 children, have reportedly lost their lives. Children in the West bank were already dealing with the greatest levels of conflict-related violence in two decades prior to the sad events of october 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of six Israeli and 41 Palestinian children so far this year.

"There is an increasing stain on our collective conscience due to the situation in the Gaza Strip. The number of kid fatalities and injuries is really astounding, Khodr remarked. The reality that the daily death toll will keep rising until tensions are reduced and humanitarian aid—such as food, water, medical supplies, and fuel—is permitted is even more worrisome.

Fuel is crucial to the functioning of vital infrastructure, including water pumping stations, desalination plants, and hospitals. More than a hundred babies are housed in neonatal critical care units; some of them are in incubators and require mechanical breathing, so having a steady power supply is essential.

Certain demographic groups that are more susceptible are turning to non-potable water sources, such as brackish and highly salinized water from agricultural wells. Over 120,000 cubic meters of wastewater have been dumped into the sea as a result of the five wastewater treatment plants in Gaza ceasing operations, mostly due to fuel shortages.

"The film shows the sheer agony these kids are going through as they are rescued from under the debris, hurt, and in panic. They also tremble in hospitals while they wait for care. However, the deaths resulting from assaults could only be the beginning without access for humanitarian help, Khodr added. "If hospitals close, incubators fail, children continue to drink contaminated water, and they are unable to get medicine when they get sick, the death toll will rise exponentially."
For more interesting updates wa click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find out more:

Israel Hamas

SIBY JEYYA

26/10/2023 07:14 AM