Gaza remains the primary epicenter of risks for children by Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF Director for European Public Partnerships (shared by Niloufar)

Gaza remains the primary epicenter of risks for children.

by Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF Director for European Public Partnerships

Solid waste infested with rodents and pests is piling up in the overcrowded 40 % Gaza territory where Gaza families are confined. The lack of sustained electricity makes access to water unsafe and may lead to death for children in neonatal care. Since the cease fire the situation has even worsened. 225 children have been reported killed. Constraints for delivery have not eased, they have increased.

A clear sense of urgency, but also a sense of hope, were conveyed throughout the virtual field visit organized by UNICEF Palestine for EU Commissioner Dubravka Šuica to the joint UNICEF-EU programme in Gaza.

“Children must not be seen as just victims of the war, but the future of Gaza.”, the Commissioner said to Alma, 15, Mutaz, 11 and Abd, 12 who were sharing with her all they were doing to learn with their friends, and how they were hoping to rebuild Gaza.

There is nothing like seeing with one's own eyes. The virtual visit allowed to see the dire situation, see the impact of operational constraints, and how children are eager to learn and thrive. Seeing triggers emotions, and re-ignates commitments for action.

We must urgently restore basic services- so critical for children. The next Palestine Donor Group meeting in July is the opportunity to come forward with a solid multi-sectoral package of interventions with financial commitments.

We owe it to the children in Gaza. Lets not betray their hopes.