Gaza – UNICEF regrets the death of children due to harsh weather conditions

Atta is the latest child in Gaza to lose his life due to harsh winter conditions and lack of safe shelter. At least five other children died during the month of December after being exposed to these harsh conditions, according to a statement issued by UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edward Beigbeder.

Atta was living in a camp consisting of 40 tents to shelter displaced families, which was severely affected by continuous heavy rains, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, which exposed the families residing there to great dangers.

UNICEF reported that Atta went missing in the afternoon, and despite search and rescue efforts supported by heavy machinery, his body was not found until hours later. She explained that all of Atta’s siblings are under the age of ten, and the family had suffered the loss of their mother during the war. UNICEF is currently supporting the family with basic assistance, including blankets, waterproof tarpaulins and psychosocial support, in addition to assessing their other needs.

Tragedy highlights suffering

The UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said that this tragedy highlights the extreme vulnerability faced by children in the most affected areas of Gaza, where the almost complete destruction of homes and water and sanitation infrastructure has left families vulnerable to the elements.

This week, heavy rains, strong winds and freezing temperatures have affected approximately 100,000 families living in temporary shelters that lack adequate protection, and with more rain and lower temperatures expected, conditions are expected to worsen.

Teams that visited displacement camps reported shocking conditions that no child should endure, as many tents were blown away or completely collapsed. Heavy rains also exacerbate the crisis by increasing the need for fuel needed to pump sewage and drain rainwater. For example, the level of Sheikh Radwan Lake has risen from 1.8 meters to 2.2 metres, requiring 7,000 liters of fuel per day to prevent it from flooding.

UNICEF continues its emergency response

Edward Bigbeder said that UNICEF – as part of its emergency response to the winter – continues to provide vital support to thousands of affected families, in cooperation with partners from the United Nations. This includes installing temporary water lines, distributing hygiene kits, waterproof tarpaulins, blankets, and supplies for women and girls, and ensuring access to latrines. The teams are also working to clean and reopen sewage networks, remove obstructions from rainwater drains, and protect tents from floods.

Mr. Edward Bigbeder continued: “The children of Gaza have suffered enough. They have the right to protection and safe shelter, and all efforts must prioritize meeting this basic need. In addition, there is an urgent need for the large-scale introduction of all life-saving and basic survival supplies, including previously banned or restricted items, and to address critical water and sanitation needs.”

UNICEF called for the widespread entry of water treatment materials, spare parts, and other basic supplies needed to repair, maintain, and operate water and sanitation systems throughout the Gaza Strip.

It also called for a sustainable increase in fuel supplies to avoid flooding, exposure to sewage, and health risks to health, including disease outbreaks associated with disruption of solid waste collection.