Washington, D.C. – The United Nations sounded the alarm on Sunday, warning of a looming increase in child deaths in Gaza if humanitarian aid does not swiftly ramp up. This latest development has further intensified pressure on the Israeli government amidst concerns over the dire humanitarian conditions in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 30,000 Palestinians, including more than 100 civilians, have lost their lives in Gaza as a result of the conflict. The situation has escalated with reports of Israeli army opening fire on a crowd seeking aid last Thursday.
Adele Khodr, regional director for the U.N.’s children’s aid organization, emphasized that the reported child deaths in Gaza are avoidable and a consequence of man-made circumstances. The lack of essential resources like nutritious food, safe water, and medical services due to restricted access is taking a toll on children and mothers, hindering their ability to care for their families, particularly in the Northern Gaza Strip.
In response to the worsening humanitarian crisis, the Biden administration has intensified its efforts to pressure the Israeli government. This includes launching an airdrop campaign to deliver aid to Gaza and issuing statements critical of Israel’s handling of the situation.
Vice President Harris joined the call for immediate action, labeling the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe” while urging Israel to step up aid deliveries without delay. The urgency is particularly acute in northern Gaza where prolonged fighting and limited access to aid have exacerbated conditions, with a significant number of children showing signs of malnutrition.
UNICEF had previously warned of a potential surge in child deaths if the nutritional crisis in Gaza was not addressed promptly. Unfortunately, the feared increase in child fatalities has materialized, underscoring the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and unhindered access to humanitarian relief in the region.
President Biden has thrown his support behind a six-week ceasefire to enable crucial aid to reach Gaza. There have been positive developments as the Israeli government reportedly agreed to the framework of the proposed ceasefire, signaling progress in the ongoing negotiations.
As the diplomatic efforts continue, Vice President Harris is scheduled to meet with Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz to discuss the ceasefire agreement and the delivery of vital humanitarian aid. The meeting has stirred controversy, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing displeasure over the planned discussions authorized without his consent.