UNICEF spokesperson: 'This is a war on children'

By News websites
Source: Al Mayadeen English
1 Dec 2023 13:36
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As "Israel" resumes its bombardment of Gaza, UNICEF states that treating children with injuries is becoming increasingly difficult in Gaza.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder explains the situation in Gaza hospitals in a video posted on X, December 1, 2023. (X/@1james_elder)

The war on Gaza is a "war on children", UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said, as the Israeli occupation chose to resume its genocide in Gaza, recommencing its aerial bombardment of the Strip.

Elder made his statement from inside a crowded hospital in Gaza, criticizing the international community's impotence, saying the "inaction by those with influence is allowing the killing of children."

He further explained the difficulty of the situation that health facilities and staff are facing in Gaza, especially with regard to the treatment of children, as he said that treating children with injuries from burns to broken bones is becoming increasingly difficult.

As a further testament to "Israel's" targeting of Gaza's civilian infrastructure, Elder said an Israeli airstrike landed close to 50 meters away from the "biggest still-functioning hospital in Gaza."

"This hospital simply cannot take more children with the wounds of war, there are children everywhere. These children are sleeping, there was a bomb literally 50 meters from here," he said in a video he posted on X, before going on to describe the wounds being sustained by children amid the Israeli aggression.

"Has humanity given up on the children of Gaza?" Elder asked.

Ceasefire over in #Gaza. Attacks v near this hospital. Bombing consistent. Has humanity given up on the children of Gaza?! 😔 pic.twitter.com/dsyvQeBEWx
— James Elder (@1james_elder) December 1, 2023

Gaza a 'graveyard for children'

A month ago, as the aggression on Gaza had still been raging before the truce, Elder said in a presser in Geneva that "Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children," adding, "It's a living hell for everyone else."

Elder further tackled the issue of "Israel" blocking water to the strip, as more than 1 million children are now at risk of dying from dehydration as a result of the Israeli blockade.

"Our gravest fears about the reported numbers of children killed becoming dozens, then hundreds, and ultimately thousands were realized in just a fortnight," Elder expressed.

With Gaza’s children "living through a nightmare," Elder said, "Israel" must end its blockade of the territory, "And if there is no ceasefire – no water, no medicine, and no release of abducted children – then we hurtle toward even greater horrors afflicting innocent children."

Negotiations between "Israel" and Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas on the truce in the Gaza Strip continue through the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, AFP reported on Friday, citing a source.

The Wall Street Journal reported late Thursday that the two sides had agreed to extend a temporary humanitarian pause for an eighth day. However, no official confirmation was made at the time. The truce expired on Friday at 07:00 am local time (05:00 GMT).

Shortly after, "Israel" renewed its aggression across Gaza, bombing the Strip indiscriminately. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed that at least 60 people were martyred in Israeli occupation massacres since the truce expired this morning.