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UNICEF is on the ground, bringing in life-saving nutrition, medicine, clean water and shelter to children in Gaza. However, the lives of over one million children remain in critical danger.

The rights of every single child, no matter who or where they are, must be protected.

Even with the ceasefire, the scale of humanitarian need is enormous. Since October 2023, thousands of children have been killed and thousands more injured in the Gaza Strip. The crisis has left up to 1.9 million people – about 9 in 10 of Gaza’s population – internally displaced. And as winter sets in, children and families are left to endure freezing temperatures without warm clothing, safe shelter and other essentials they need to survive.  

UNICEF calls on all parties to allow safe, unimpeded access for the delivery of humanitarian aid.

HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA   

While the ceasefire offers a vital opportunity to deliver much-needed aid, the situation remains catastrophic for children. Children and families continue to face the deadly effects of disease and malnutrition as the conflict had long cut them off from safe water, food, and medicine.  

  • The destruction of health and water facilities, coupled with overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, has led to disease outbreaks including the re-emergence of polio after being eradicated for 25 years.
  • At least 1.6 million people or 77 per cent of the population continue to face high levels of acute food insecurity in the Gaza Strip.
  • Water insecurity is severe, with only 39 per cent of water facilities in the Gaza Strip operational.
  • Malnutrition rates remain high in Gaza, with over 9,500 children identified as severely malnourished as of December 2025.
  • Attacks on schools – many serving as shelters – have severely impacted the resumption of learning, leaving over 765,000 children in Gaza out of school and potentially setting back their education by five years.

Even as the agreement moves forward, the humanitarian needs of children in Gaza remain immense.

HOW IS UNICEF RESPONDING TO THE CRISIS IN GAZA?

Despite the challenging humanitarian and security situation, UNICEF remains in Gaza, working with partners to provide children and families with life-saving support and services, including:

  • Safe Water;
  • Essential medical supplies;
  • Hygiene Kits;
  • Therapeutic food and nutritional supplements;
  • Mental health and psychosocial support;
  • Emergency supplies like tarps and tents;
  • Essential vaccines;
  • Recreational activities for children; and
  • Winter clothing, tarpaulins and other winter supplies.

 In 2025 alone, UNICEF has:

  • Screened over 1 million children under five for malnutrition in Gaza, with more than 80,000 cases identified and enrolled for treatment.
  • Reached 1.3 million people with sanitation services, with 900 latrines built.
  • Supported 80,000 children with primary health services every month.
  • Helped over 269,000 children access learning centres and temporary classrooms.
  • Supported 1.6 million people, including 550,000 children,  with access to safe water through water trucking, system repairs, and by keeping desalination plants and water facilities running.

More work remains to be done. Donate today to help us reach more children and families affected by this crisis.

IS UNICEF IN ISRAEL? 

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 32 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.