Source: UN News: Friday, January 16, 2026 00:02 AM
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday that despite the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, children continue to die due to airstrikes, drone strikes and extreme cold. More than 100 children have died since the beginning of October last year. “Even during the ceasefire, on average one girl or boy is dying every day,” UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva. He said children are being killed by air and drone strikes, tank shelling and remote-controlled drone planes. Tweet URL
Spokesman James Elder also said that many children have died from hypothermia due to the severe cold in Gaza in the past few days. The conditions created by these cold weather have put the most vulnerable people at even greater risk. UNICEF spokesperson said that so far this winter, 6 children have died from hypothermia. He said, “I wish I could show you through the camera, strong winds blowing at a speed of 30-40 kilometers per hour, tearing the tents on the beach.” James Elder emphasized. Said that due to the ceasefire, there has been real progress in primary health services. UNICEF and its humanitarian partners have set up initial health clinics in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, and expanded vaccination services. However, the process of sending children elsewhere for better care remains at a standstill. The UNICEF spokesperson said efforts are being made to prepare more host countries to accept and approve the transport of children suffering from life-threatening injuries. There has been no significant improvement in the number of cases. Spokesman James Elder said that during his recent visit to Gaza, he met a number of children and families who have not been granted medical evacuation, despite completing an arduous and formal process. Among these cases is a 9-year-old boy who was hit by shrapnel and is at risk of losing the vision in one or both eyes. At the same time, the condition of a girl admitted in Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City is very critical and she may even die, while the legs of another child may have to be amputated. Spokesman Elder said that these three children are clear cases to be sent abroad for treatment, but till now no one has received permission for this.World Health Organization (WHOAccording to WHO, before the war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel, about 50 to 100 patients were being flown out of Gaza for treatment every day. WHO said in a warning issued on Tuesday that due to the detailed vetting procedures being adopted by the Israeli authorities, there are continuous delays in the supply of medicines and food items. Sanctions The UNICEF spokesperson also noted the dangers of the recent sanctions imposed by Israel on international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). She says the sanctions, which are set to come into effect next month, “will hinder the delivery of life-saving aid.” Spokesperson Alder also stressed the importance of allowing international media access to Gaza, which has not been granted despite the ceasefire. She said, “There needs to be more pressure to allow international journalists into Gaza. This is my 7th visit to Gaza, and every time I look around at the destruction and leveled houses, I am shocked.” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said that the destruction of Gaza is as disturbing and shocking as it was when he first saw the destruction two years ago. He warned that two years of war has made life unbearable for the children of Gaza, the psychological injuries are still unresolved, and are becoming deeper with time.
