GAZA AND ISRAEL CRISIS

UNICEF continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access in Gaza, along with the safe release of all abducted children.

Over 5000 children have been killed and thousands more injured in the Gaza strip. The bombing of homes, shelters and hospitals have resulted in hundreds of children being killed and injured each day. UNICEF is working closely with partners to rush emergency humanitarian aid to children caught in conflict in Gaza.

Following the deadly attacks on Israel on October 7th, UNICEF continues to call for the safe release of children being held hostage in Gaza so that they may be reunited with their families and loved ones. More than thirty Israeli children have reportedly been killed and while the humanitarian pause in fighting in Gaza has enabled the release of some children and women held hostage, more are still being held hostage.

The killing, maiming and abduction of children are grave violations of International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, and UNICEF calls on all parties not to target children.

The rights of every single child, no matter who or where they are, must be protected. UNICEF calls for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access in Gaza and for all parties to unconditionally protect children from harm.

HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA 

Children and families in the Gaza Strip have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following weeks of hostilities and a limited flow of supplies.

Before the renewed violence, the region was already facing a complex and challenging humanitarian situation with 1.5 million children in need of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank – accounting for approximately half the child population.

HOW IS UNICEF RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN GAZA?

Despite the extreme security situation, UNICEF is in the Gaza Strip, working with partners to provide children and families with urgent, humanitarian support, including:

• Safe water;
• Essential medical supplies;
• Hygiene kits;
• Therapeutic food and nutritional supplements;
• Mental health and psycho-social support;
• Emergency supplies like blankets, tarps and tents;
• Essential vaccines;
• Recreational activities for children; and
• Humanitarian cash transfers.

UNICEF deliveries of life-saving supplies for children are being delivered in Gaza, and additional emergency supplies are prepositioned, with more enroute. UNICEF scaled up the delivery of desperately needed aid in Gaza during the humanitarian pause, but as the fighting has resumed, more resources are needed to meet ever-growing needs.

WHAT IS UNICEF DOING FOR ISRAELI CHILDREN?

UNICEF continues to call for the safe release of Israeli children being held hostage in Gaza so that they may be reunited with their families and loved ones. On November 16th, UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director, Humanitarian Action and Supply Operations Ted Chaiban travelled to Israel and met with families of the Israeli children held hostage. He reiterated UNICEF's unwavering commitment to bringing the children home.

In high-income countries such as Israel, governments generally have the capacity to respond to emergencies. In extraordinary circumstances, upon request from the Government, UNICEF may consider extending support, such as psychosocial support for children.

UNICEF Israel is one of UNICEF’s 33 National Committees, like UNICEF Canada. It was established in 2009 and works to raise awareness of children’s rights in Israel and to raise funds for UNICEF’s life-saving work across the world.