The UN’s recent warning regarding a potential ground operation in Gaza’s Rafah city underscores the dire situation faced by around 600,000 children in the region. Reports from UNICEF highlighted the grave threat posed by such military actions, with UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stating that a military operation in Rafah would compound the existing catastrophes faced by these children.
Haq, echoing UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell’s concerns, pointed out that almost all the children in Rafah are dealing with various challenges, including injuries, illnesses, malnutrition, trauma, and disabilities. This paints a grim picture of the already fragile state of the children’s well-being in the region.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also raised alarms about the healthcare facilities in Rafah, noting that three out of the 12 partially functioning hospitals in Gaza are situated there. Any military incursion into Rafah could render these facilities non-operational, leading to a potential humanitarian disaster.
Haq further mentioned an incident where a humanitarian aid convoy from Jordan was attacked in the Occupied West Bank, resulting in damage to some items. Despite this setback, the convoy eventually reached Gaza, albeit being redirected to a different facility due to a communication error.
Acknowledging the swift resolution of the redirection issue through discussions with local authorities, Haq confirmed that aid distribution in Gaza remained ongoing. He emphasized that this incident was a one-time communication error and that such occurrences would not happen again, as assured by officials in Gaza.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on the aid convoys, highlighting that they were carrying essential supplies for Gaza, including food and humanitarian aid. These convoys marked a significant effort from Jordan, especially considering the reopening of the Erez Crossing by Israel after substantial pressure from the US.
The UN’s warning, coupled with the challenges faced during humanitarian efforts, underscores the delicate situation in Gaza and the critical need for international support to ensure the well-being of vulnerable populations, particularly children, in conflict-affected areas. (With AA inputs)