Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine) – The United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has revealed a grim statistic: on average, ten children lose one or both legs each day in the Gaza Strip. This staggering figure is attributed to ongoing bombings in the area, according to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA.
The Dire Impact on Childhood
Lazzarini stressed the terrible effects of the fighting on Gaza’s youth, pointing out that over 14,000 of them have perished in the previous eight months. He emphasized that these numbers offer a startling window into the difficult and traumatic upbringings that many of the young people in the area had to endure.
Humanitarian Crisis and Missing Children
A recent report by Save The Children, echoed by Lazzarini, underscored the severity of the crisis. The conflict has resulted in around 4,000 children going missing and 17,000 losing their families. These figures reflect the widespread disruption and trauma faced by the younger population.
Challenges in Delivering Aid
The UNRWA commissioner general also addressed the significant obstacles in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. He mentioned frequent threats and assaults on truck drivers, which hinder the assistance efforts. Despite some aid reaching Gaza, there is a troubling rise in tobacco smuggling, with cigarette prices soaring to $20-$30 each due to scarcity.
Calls for Action
WHO Urges Reopening of Rafah Crossing
According to RPP, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called upon Israel to reopen the Rafah border crossing to facilitate the evacuation of patients needing treatment. Rik Pepperkorn, head of the WHO office in the occupied Palestinian territories, estimates that around 10,000 people will require medical treatment outside Gaza in the coming months.
Appeal for Medical Supplies
Pepperkorn also stressed the need to open the Kerem Shalom crossing to allow medical supplies into Gaza. This would enhance the flow of humanitarian aid across the region, addressing urgent healthcare needs.
Current Status of the Rafah Crossing
The Rafah crossing has been closed since May 7, following its occupation and destruction by Israeli troops. Since then, WHO estimates that around 2,000 people have been unable to leave Gaza for medical care.
Escalation of Conflict
Initial Attack by Hamas Commandos
The conflict intensified when Hamas commandos attacked southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,195 deaths, primarily civilians, based on official data. They also kidnapped 251 hostages, with 116 still held in Gaza and 42 deceased, according to the Israeli army.
Israeli Response
In retaliation, Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza, leading to 37,658 deaths, mostly civilians, as reported by the Gaza Ministry of Health. The ongoing violence continues to inflict severe humanitarian consequences on the region.