UN Issues Alert: Malnutrition Threatens Over 60,000 Children Under Five in Gaza
The United Nations has raised urgent concerns about a dire malnutrition crisis affecting the Gaza Strip, warning that it threatens the lives of over 60,000 children under the age of five.
Sigrid Kaag, the United Nations envoy for the Middle East peace process, expressed concern over the deteriorating health situation of children in Gaza and urged Israel to permit the entry of humanitarian assistance into the region.
Anadolu Agency reports that over 60,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are currently experiencing malnutrition, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis. Each figure symbolizes a human life engaged in a battle for survival, according to Kaag.
The Israeli government has been preventing the entry of essential humanitarian assistance into the blockaded region since March 2, in what has been described as a significant breach of international law.
The illegal activity has worsened the existing humanitarian crisis in the area, heightening serious concerns among the global community and human rights groups about the welfare of those impacted.
Sigrid Kaag has highlighted the pressing challenges confronting humanitarian workers, who are grappling with significant deficits in essential resources and equipment vital for their operations. This includes a critical shortage of fuel and necessary supplies required for the functioning of hospitals.
She detailed that their resources have been utterly exhausted, leading to a disruption in the distribution of humanitarian aid to Palestinians stranded in Gaza.
A United Nations representative emphasized that, in accordance with international law, Israel is required to permit the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
She underscored the pressing necessity of granting access to Gaza.
A United Nations representative has criticized Israeli authorities for their ongoing military operations in Gaza.
She reported that the assaults not only impact the civilian populace, predominantly consisting of women and children, but also present a significant threat to humanitarian workers active in the area.
Kaag described the attacks on Gaza as devastating, impacting both civilians and international aid workers, many of whom are Palestinian.
The Israeli government resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18, effectively ending the two-month ceasefire established in January.
Since the onset of the intense Israeli offensive in October 2023, over 51,900 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in Gaza.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has released arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The International Criminal Court has leveled charges against them for war crimes and crimes against humanity within the Gaza region.
The Israeli government is currently confronting a genocide case filed at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
