UNSC Meeting on Gaza Children Scheduled for Thursday at the Request of Algeria and Russia
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene on Thursday at the request of Algeria and Russia to discuss the plight of children in Gaza, who have suffered as victims of a genocidal war initiated by the Zionist entity that has ravaged the Palestinian enclave for more than 15 months.
The meeting, chaired by Algeria, will center on the challenges faced by Palestinian children in Gaza, the most vulnerable group affected by the devastating aggression that began on October 7, 2023, and which has persisted despite a ceasefire enacted on January 19.
This Zionist offensive has resulted in at least 158,000 casualties, including both fatalities and injuries, with women and children constituting the majority of those affected. More than 14,000 individuals are reported missing, and extensive destruction of infrastructure, particularly educational facilities, has exacerbated an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the region.
Numerous international organizations have consistently voiced their concerns regarding the situation of children in Gaza, warning about the repercussions of the destructive Zionist military campaign on this vulnerable demographic, which is currently facing malnutrition, illness, and trauma stemming from the ongoing violence.
In response, UNICEF has recently urged swift action “to make life a little more bearable for these children.”
Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, emphasized the urgency of intervention, stating, “In light of the collapse of essential services in Gaza, we must act quickly to save lives and support children in their recovery.”
She further noted, “The war has taken a heavy toll on the children of Gaza, resulting in at least 14,500 deaths, thousands of injuries, approximately 17,000 unaccompanied or separated children, and nearly one million people displaced.”
Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF, reported that every child in Gaza is now profoundly impacted and traumatized by what they have witnessed. “They have endured experiences that no child should ever face.”
UNICEF has long warned that inadequate shelters, lack of access to nutrition and healthcare, the dire health situation, and current winter conditions endanger the lives of all children in Gaza. Newborns and children with health issues are particularly at risk.
