UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Kitty van der Heijden reported that nearly 50,000 children have been killed or injured in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of the battles between Israel and HAMAS, according to "World" AA.
She highlighted the increasing instances of malnutrition among people, especially children in Gaza, and the collapse of the healthcare system alongside stating that since Israel completelyblockaded in March, UN-led aid efforts "have not been able to reach the children who need us," she added.
The UNICEF official called on all parties of the conflict to cease violence and allow UN workers to continue delivering aid to Gaza "so that children can finally find a glimmer of hope." Kitty van der Heijden also described the current global situation as "the worst time for childhood." According to her, one in every six children is "living in or fleeing from conflict", marking unprecedented numbers in the history of UNICEF.
As the conflict in Gaza continues for nearly 20 months, the UN has listed Israel in the black list for the second consecutive year for committing violations against children in armed conflict.
According to the latest data, the conflicts in Israel have resulted in the death of close to 1200 people, 251 have been taken hostage, and the number of victims in Gaza and the occupied West Bank has exceeded 55,000.
