The recent attacks in Rafá and its surroundings have resulted in the interruption of treatment for acute malnutrition of 3,000 children in the south of the Gaza Strip. This has led to growing cases of malnutrition in children and a lack of humanitarian aid in the region. UNICEF has denounced this situation and expressed concern about the health and wellbeing of children.
The collapse of the malnutrition service system poses a significant risk to children’s lives, as treatment usually lasts between six and eight weeks and requires uninterrupted care and special therapeutic foods. However, due to restrictions on humanitarian access and a lack of supplies, hospitals have been destroyed, treatments disrupted, and access to clean water, hygiene items, and healthcare services has been limited.
UNICEF emphasized that more security is needed to ensure safe collection and distribution of aid to Palestinians in the region. The organization is working towards securing guarantees that humanitarian operations can operate without interruptions. Ultimately, a ceasefire is needed to prevent further suffering and child deaths. Immediate action is required to save lives and address the preventable deprivation affecting children in the Gaza Strip.