UNICEF voices concern over dire conditions for children in Gaza

Tess Ingram, Communications Specialist at UNICEF, has warned of the long term repercussions of the physical health, growth, and mental well-being of Gaza's children.

Ingram, currently in Rafah in southern Gaza, stated that Gaza's children are trapped in ongoing conflict and successive shocks without any safe haven to turn to.

She emphasised that famine can be averted if Gaza is flooded with aid but humanitarian access, especially to the north, remains severely restricted.

Ingram witnessed this herself when the car she was traveling in with her colleagues came under fire while waiting for permission to deliver aid to the area.

"The situation in Gaza is tragic, especially when you see someone suffering from malnutrition due to food production disruptions and restrictions on aid access to that area. As a result of this situation, children are dying; at least 23 children have lost their lives at Kamal Adwan Hospital." She said.

She also stated that the situation in the region necessitates the opening of the crossing for several reasons. Firstly, to increase the volume of aid in general, and secondly, to gain direct access to the north, allowing for faster and widespread assistance to children and families in need of food and nutritional supplies.

Ingram pointed out that the southern part of Gaza is also at risk of famine. However, she believes there is a possibility to prevent such a famine if aid is increasingly allowed to enter the entire region; there is still time to prevent famine in the central and southern parts of the strip.