Children are facing frequent respiratory problems due to gas leaks, according to Catherine Rusell, the CEO of UNICEF. She recently visited the affected area and witnessed the distressing situation firsthand. In a statement, UNICEF condemned the acts of violence that are causing harm to children, including killings, kidnappings, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the refusal of humanitarian assistance.

Russell also highlighted the plight of injured and hospitalized children who are believed to be trapped under destroyed buildings. She referred to this as the tragic consequences of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. In addition to the immediate dangers, UNICEF staff members and their families are currently living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to water, food, and basic sanitation, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Russell emphasized the need for immediate action and urged the postponement of stove lighting to allocate more resources for humanitarian assistance, particularly in Gaza. UNICEF has reported that over 700,000 children have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began. The Ministry of Health has also stated that 11,255 Palestinians have been killed in the aftermath of military operations in Gaza, with 4,630 of them being children.