UNICEF: 3,000 children are at risk of death in the Gaza Strip

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) confirmed that about 3,000 children suffering from malnutrition are at risk of death due to being deprived of necessary treatment as a result of the Israeli attack on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip.

UNICEF, In a statement reported  by Wafa Agency, indicated a slight improvement in the delivery of food aid to the north of the Gaza Strip, while humanitarian aid access to the south has decreased significantly, exposing more children to the risk of malnutrition.

The statement added that the horrific violence and displacement are affecting  the ability of Palestinian families to access health care facilities and services.

 “Horrific images from Gaza show children dying in front of their families due to continuing shortages of food and nutrition supplies and the destruction of health care services”. UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khader, said.

She stressed that unless treatment is quickly resumed for 3,000 malnourished children, they are at immediate risk of contracting  serious illnesses,  life-threatening complications and join the growing list of children who have been  killed by senseless, man-made deprivation.”

Khader added: “The organization’s warnings about the escalation of child deaths due to a preventable combination of malnutrition, dehydration, and diseases should have led to immediate measures to save the lives of children, yet the devastation continues”

The Regional Director  emphasized the “need for better operating conditions on the ground, where security is increased and restrictions are reduced, but ultimately, what children desperately need is a cessation of hostilities.”