The head of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Catherine Russell, expressed profound dismay over the tragic killing of children during an aid distribution in central Gaza on Thursday. She described the incident as “unconscionable,” highlighting the loss of 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women, who were waiting for nutritional supplements provided by Project Hope, a UNICEF partner organization.
The attack occurred in Deir Al-Balah, where an additional 30 people sustained injuries, including 19 children, with reports indicate that an Israeli strike caused the devastation. “The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable,” Russell stated in her official statement.
Heartbreaking Stories of Loss
Among the victims was Donia, a mother whose one-year-old son, Mohammed, was killed. She shared that her son had spoken his first words to her just hours before the attack. “Donia now lies in a hospital bed, critically injured by the blast, clutching Mohammed’s tiny shoe,” Russell lamented. “No parent should have to face such tragedy.”
Russell emphasized that this incident reflects the cruel reality many in Gaza confront today. After months of insufficient aid entering the territory, the conflict parties have failed to uphold their basic responsibilities to protect civilians. “The lack of aid means children are facing starvation while the risk of famine grows,” she warned. She cautioned that the number of malnourished children will continue to rise until life-saving aid and services resume at full scale.
Urgent Call for Compliance with International Law
“International law is clear: all parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians and ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance,” Russell asserted. She urged Israel to urgently review its rules of engagement to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians, including children. Additionally, she called for a thorough and independent investigation into this incident and all allegations of violations.
The UN reiterated its condemnation of civilian killings in Gaza. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric informed journalists in New York about the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He noted that the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, stresses that all parties must prevent excessive civilian deaths and injuries during wartime.
Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
OCHA reported another strike on Thursday that hit the office of a humanitarian partner in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three staff members. Dujarric updated journalists on the dire fuel situation in Gaza, which severely impacts both the population and humanitarian efforts. A UN team managed to bring approximately 75,000 liters of fuel from Israel into the beleaguered enclave on Wednesday, marking the first such provision in 130 days.
However, Dujarric warned that fuel supplies are still running low. “We and our humanitarian partners need hundreds of thousands of liters of fuel each day to maintain essential life-saving operations,” he stated. The amount delivered recently is insufficient to cover even one day of energy requirements. One aid partner reported that fuel shortages could soon cut off clean drinking water supplies to about 44,000 children, increasing the risk of cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, and other waterborne illnesses.
Meanwhile, UN partners providing education services reported that between October 2023 and June 2024, 626 temporary learning spaces have been established in Gaza, enrolling 240,000 students, nearly half of whom are girls. However, only 299 spaces currently operate due to ongoing displacement orders, funding shortfalls, and other challenges.
Humanitarian Workers Face Hunger
Humanitarian partners in Gaza, including first responders, health workers, and aid workers, continue to deliver food and assistance under intolerable conditions. “They themselves are facing hunger,” Dujarric noted. “A number of our own colleagues are also facing hunger, water scarcity, and threats to their personal safety, just like everyone else in Gaza.”
Dujarric reiterated the UN’s long-standing message that “this catastrophic situation must end.” He stressed that “a ceasefire is not only urgent; it is long overdue,” while also calling for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.
