Children are now freezing to death’: harrowing updates from Gaza. United Nations. Key Points from the Report.

January 09, 2025.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

1. Death Toll and Child Mortality:

Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, most of whom are women and children.

In the past month, eight newborns died of hypothermia, and 74 children perished due to harsh winter conditions.

2. Freezing Conditions for Children:

Children in Gaza are succumbing to extreme cold, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

Louise Wateridge from UNRWA described the lack of progress and solace as the New Year begins.

Ongoing Conflict

3. Military Operations and Hostilities:

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operations continue to cause mass casualties and widespread destruction.

Palestinian armed groups are launching rockets into Israel, endangering Israeli civilians.

4. UN Condemnations:

The UN Secretary-General condemned the large-scale killing and injuries to civilians.

Calls were renewed for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

Hunger Crisis.

5. Food Supply Shortages:

Severe restrictions and looting have led to the depletion of food supplies in Gaza.

120,000 metric tonnes of food remain blocked outside Gaza, while community kitchens serving over 200,000 meals are at risk of closure.

6. Fuel Shortages and Health Crisis:

Fuel scarcity is paralyzing health services, with only five out of 20 bakeries operational.

Hospitals rely on dwindling fuel reserves, jeopardizing patient care and aid worker efforts.

North Gaza Conditions

7. Restricted Access and Healthcare Collapse:

North Gaza is heavily besieged with limited humanitarian access.

Al Awda Hospital, the only partially functioning hospital in North Gaza, faces severe operational challenges.

8. Blocked Humanitarian Missions:

Out of 15 humanitarian missions, Israeli authorities facilitated only five, denying or impeding many others.

UN-led efforts to access North Gaza have been consistently thwarted.

Statements and Appeals

9. UN Appeals for Ceasefire and Hostage Release:

The Secretary-General urged an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages in Gaza.

He emphasized the urgent need to meet civilians' basic needs and uphold humanitarian protections.

10. Humanitarian Efforts Amid Adversity:

Despite the challenges, 560,000 people in Gaza received primary and secondary healthcare from 22 December to 8 January.

The UN continues to advocate for unrestricted humanitarian access to save lives and alleviate suffering.

Summary

This report paints a grim picture of Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, where freezing conditions, starvation, restricted access to aid, and continued violence create harrowing living conditions for civilians, particularly children. The UN reiterates its call for urgent action to protect human lives and adhere to international humanitarian law.

Source:

https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/01/1158881

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