"The ongoing surge of conflict-related violence continues to take a horrendous toll on the lives of children and their families in the State of Palestine and Israel," said UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder, just three days after the Israel-Gaza conflict started. "Nothing justifies the killing, maiming or abduction of children. Any delay in bringing an end to the conflict will inevitably result in more devastating consequences for children."

On World Children's Day, observed annually on November 20, it's worth remembering that 45 days on this conflict continues to have a devastating effect on children. 

Since Hamas fighters attacked Israeli communities on October 7, Palestinian officials report that the Israeli response have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 5,500 children's lives.

Of the 242 hostages believed to be being held by Hamas, 32 are children, aged between nine months and 18 years old. 

"Such abductions, regardless of the party responsible, are grave violations, and hostage-taking is explicitly prohibited by International Humanitarian Law. UNICEF strongly advocates for the immediate and safe release of all hostages," according to a statement issued by the organization.

'Horrible reality'

Speaking to CGTN, Salim Oweis, UNICEF's Middle East and North Africa spokesman, said "the situation in Gaza is the opposite of what children's rights should be." 

He also highlighted the "horrible reality" of some of the UNICEF staff based in the enclave who have "lost their own children."

Oweis stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, calling on the international community to press for it and urging Israel and Hamas "to stop for a moment and consider their commitments to the children and their rights."

"We don't need to wait more when there are children who are losing their lives by the minute now in Gaza," he added.

With approximately half of the 2.3 million population of Gaza being children, the impact on young lives has been horrendous.

A child is killed on average every 10 minutes in the Gaza Strip, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the United Nations Security Council, warning that "nowhere and no one is safe."

Additionally, 1,800 children are still missing, and it is presumed that most of them have not survived. 

Unsuitable shelters

Another 9,000 children have suffered injuries, many of which are life-changing. These children have endured the trauma of multiple wars, underscoring the urgent need for attention, support, and concerted efforts to protect their lives.

Oweis also highlighted the dire conditions in schools, hospitals, and tented camps - where thousands of displaced children have had to seek refuge, saying "none of these locations offer suitable shelter conditions."

The sheer numbers have overwhelmed the infrastructure, including the water and sanitation systems. 

The UNICEF spokesman warned that this situation significantly increases the risk of waterborne diseases for these vulnerable children. 

With winter approaching, the temperature is dropping and the recent rainfall has been exacerbating the already challenging circumstances, especially for Gazan children.

Even prior to the recent escalation, over 816,000 children in Gaza, constituting three-quarters of its entire child population, were assessed to be in need of mental health and psychosocial support.

Children who endure such circumstances may face lasting consequences, with their lives potentially changed irreversibly due to recurrent exposure to traumatic events. 

Instances of violence and upheaval can lead to toxic stress, disrupting both physical and cognitive development and contributing to mental health issues in the immediate and distant future. 

UNICEF has expressed concern over measures to cut electricity, food, water and fuel from entering Gaza, warning it adds another layer of suffering to the existing catastrophe faced by families in Gaza. 

"Depriving children of access to food and essential services puts their lives at risk, as do attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure – including health centers, schools and water and sanitation systems," urged UNICEF.

"It is imperative that all parties refrain from further violence and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, health centers and shelters."

'Ceasefire crucial now'

There has been no respite for children, even babies, although a first group of prematurely born babies evacuated from Gaza's biggest hospital have now been taken into Egypt for treatment. Palestinian medics conducted a high-risk operation to evacuate 31 premature babies from Gaza City's war-torn Al Shifa hospital, on Sunday. 

According to the director-general of hospitals in Gaza, Mohammed Zaqu, all 31 premature babies at Al Shifa hospital were successfully evacuated. Palestinian Red Crescent Society ambulances transported the infants to a hospital in southern Gaza for assessment and treatment, as stated by the WHO. 

Unfortunately, 11 of them are in critical condition.

The WHO highlighted that doctors discovered serious infections among all the babies due to a lack of medical supplies and the inability to maintain infection control measures at Al Shifa Hospital. The statement noted that none of the infants were accompanied by family members, as Gaza's health ministry faced challenges locating them. 

Tragically, two babies lost their lives at Al Shifa while awaiting the transfer.

The newborn babies have captured global attention since images emerged eight days ago of them lying side by side on beds at Al Shifa Hospital after their incubators were switched off for lack of power amid Israel's military assault on Gaza City.

"Ceasefire is crucial now and allowing humanitarian aid to enter without any limitation is necessary alongside protection of that aid so it can reach the children, wherever they are," said Oweis.

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