Gaza’s Children Caught in the Crossfire, Needing Urgent Help and Support.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a pressing issue that has been unfolding for years, with the most recent wave of displacement caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The situation is dire, with approximately 235,000 children being forced to flee their homes due to the violence.
The Impact on Children
The displacement of children has severe consequences on their physical and mental health. *Some of the key concerns include:**
The Role of UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) plays a crucial role in providing aid to the displaced children. *Some of the key services provided by UNRWA include:**
The Need for International Support
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza requires immediate international attention and support.
The Situation in Gaza
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been working tirelessly to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The situation in Gaza is dire, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and a severe shortage of food and other essential supplies. The WFP has been providing critical assistance to vulnerable populations, including children, women, and the elderly, but the situation remains precarious.
The Impact of the Conflict
The conflict in Gaza has had a devastating impact on the local economy and infrastructure. The destruction of homes, schools, and other critical infrastructure has left many families without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The conflict has also disrupted the supply chain, making it difficult for essential goods to reach the affected areas.
“People’s situation is miserable. A dire situation in terms of health, mental health and immunity. A mother came in today and apologised for being late. Why? Because it was raining through the night and their tent was flooded. The family had to go outside, and she had to carry the children until the rain stopped. Then they swept the water outand went back inside. “Some people had to flee because big ponds were formed due to rain. It’s a tragic situation.” Eman*, another nutrition consultant with Save the Children, said: “It took me two hours to go from where I live to where I work. As I walked into the camp where I work, people’s tents collapsed on the ground. Their clothes and bedding were all soaked in water. They were all desperately seeking any spot of sun to put their belongings to dry to start their day.”
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Gaza Strip, a coastal region in the Middle East, has been embroiled in a protracted humanitarian crisis for decades. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in significant human suffering, displacement, and economic hardship. The situation is further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacerbated the existing challenges.
The Impact of the Conflict on Healthcare
The conflict has had a devastating impact on the healthcare system in Gaza. The Ministry of Health has reported that essential medicines and medical disposables are in short supply, with 60% of essential medicines and 83% of medical disposables having been depleted from their stocks. This shortage has severe consequences, including delayed or foregone treatment for patients, particularly those with chronic conditions. The lack of access to essential medicines and medical supplies has resulted in: + Delayed treatment for patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and cancer + Increased risk of hospital-acquired infections + Reduced ability to respond to emergencies, such as accidents and natural disasters
Safety Concerns for Aid Workers
The safety concerns for aid workers are also a significant obstacle to delivering assistance to families in need. The ongoing conflict has created a high-risk environment, with frequent rocket attacks and military operations.
Gaza’s dire situation is a ticking time bomb, threatening the lives of its 2 million residents.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a pressing issue that has been ongoing for years. The situation is dire, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to basic necessities like healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.
Our work in oPt is guided by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which emphasizes the importance of protecting children’s rights and promoting their well-being.
A Brief History of Save the Children’s Work in oPt
Save the Children’s involvement in the occupied Palestinian territory dates back to 1953, when we began providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinian children. Over the years, our work has evolved to address the changing needs of children and families in the region.
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