UNICEF: Palestinian Children Lack Essential Aid Amid Ongoing Conflict

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that children in Palestine continue to suffer from severe shortages of essential supplies and services due to the ongoing conflict.

"Almost all 2.4 million children living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip are affected. Some live in constant fear and anxiety, while others face the harsh realities of displacement, destruction, and death. All children must be protected," said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, after a four-day mission to the region, as quoted on Antara.

“Without sufficient aid reaching Gaza, about one million children are left without basic necessities,” he added as quoted on Antara.

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, over 200 Palestinian children and three Israeli children have been killed since October 2023, marking the highest toll in two decades.

"Children must not be killed, injured, or displaced, and all parties must respect their obligations under international law. Basic needs and civilian protection must be ensured, and humanitarian aid must be allowed immediately and at scale," Beigbeder emphasized as quoted on Antara.

"Thousands of children have been killed or wounded. We must not allow this number to rise further," he said as quoted on Antara.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas