Gaza: United Nations Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Humanitarian and Reconstruction Affairs in Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, has raised an alarm over the malnutrition crisis affecting more than 60,000 children under the age of five in Gaza. Speaking on the sidelines of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in southern Turkey, Kaag highlighted the dire situation facing these young children.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Kaag noted that while the UN's humanitarian aid successfully reached those in need during the ceasefire, the flow of aid has been halted since mid-March due to entry restrictions. This stoppage has exacerbated the already critical situation, leaving vulnerable populations without much-needed assistance.
Kaag added that humanitarian workers are grappling with significant shortages in essential equipment, and fuel supplies for hospitals have run out entirely. This has severely disrupted the distribution of aid, further endangering the lives of those in need.
Highlighting the individual impact of these statistics, Kaag stated, "We know that over 60,000 children under the age of five in Gaza are suffering from malnutrition. Each number in these statistics represents a person, a life, and a struggle to survive."
Kaag called attention to international law, noting that Israel has an obligation to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. She emphasized the urgent need for access and condemned ongoing Israeli attacks, which threaten not only civilians but also the safety of humanitarian workers, many of whom are Palestinian civilians.
