The Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) described Gaza on Wednesday as "the most dangerous place in the world for children." Catherine Russell stated before the UN Security Council that over 5,300 Palestinian children have been killed since October 7, when militants from Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of hostages, mostly civilians. Israel responded with retaliatory strikes against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has a population of 2.3 million.
Russell, who visited Gaza last week, emphasized in a briefing regarding women and children there, "The true cost of this war in Palestine and Israel will be measured by the lives of children, those who have died due to violence and those whose lives have been permanently changed for the same reason. Without an end to the fighting and full access to humanitarian assistance, the costs will continue to rise significantly."
Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air, imposed a blockade, and invaded with soldiers and tanks. Russell stated, "The Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world for children... the effects of violence perpetrated against children in Gaza are catastrophic, indiscriminate, and disproportionate."
On Wednesday, Israel agreed to a four-day ceasefire with Hamas to allow humanitarian aid to enter and to release at least 50 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of at least 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, told the 15-member council, "Women in Gaza have told us they are pleading for peace, but if peace is not achieved, they wish for a quick death, while they are sleeping with their children in their arms. We should all feel ashamed that any mother, anywhere, would make such a prayer."
**Israel Accuses Hamas of Exploiting Children**
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan accused Hamas of exploiting children in Gaza for years and reiterated long-standing criticisms that the UN is biased against Israel. He stated, "There is no doubt that as soon as the pause (in fighting) ends, we will continue to pursue our goals with full force... We will not stop until we eliminate all Hamas' terrorist capabilities and ensure that it can no longer govern Gaza and threaten Israeli civilians, women, and children in Gaza." Hamas denies operating from places like hospitals in Gaza and denies using civilians as human shields.
**Guterres Welcomes Ceasefire Agreement**
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire agreement, describing it as "an important step in the right direction, but there is still much to be done to end the suffering." Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of the UN Population Fund, stated before the Security Council that 5,500 pregnant women are expected to give birth in Gaza next month. She added, "Every day, about 180 women give birth under horrific conditions, and the future of their newborns is uncertain." She also expressed concern about approximately 7,000 women who have given birth in the past forty-seven days and lack care, water, sanitation, and nutrition.
