UNICEF warns of massive surge in Gaza child deaths

UNICEF warns of massive surge in Gaza child deaths
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UNICEF has warned of a massive spike in child deaths in Gaza due to prolonged food shortages and weakened immunity, Arab News reported. The UN children’s agency called for all crossings to be opened for food aid, emphasizing that 50,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition and require urgent treatment. UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires highlighted that children’s immune systems are severely compromised from lack of proper nutrition.

Following a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, Israeli forces began withdrawing from parts of Gaza, allowing the UN and aid agencies to plan increased humanitarian deliveries. The World Food Programme (WFP) expects to send about 600 aid trucks daily, with over 145 community distribution points and up to 30 bakeries to operate under the ceasefire. However, access to northern Gaza remains critical, where 400,000 people have not received aid for weeks.

UNICEF has evacuated two newborns from a North Gaza hospital amid ongoing security challenges, with others awaiting clearance. Aid organizations like CARE International and the Norwegian Refugee Council still face obstacles in delivering supplies. UNRWA has called for permission to bring 6,000 trucks of aid into Gaza to prevent famine, but progress remains stalled.