Conflict Recovery
What is UNICEF's commitment to children in Gaza during the current crisis?
UNICEF is determined to stay and support Gaza's children regardless of circumstances. Having been present in Gaza for decades, they pledge to continue walking with these children through every step of this difficult journey. UNICEF emphasizes that a sustained ceasefire is crucial for their humanitarian work, as its failure makes their mission more challenging. They are actively urging all parties to adhere to ceasefire terms and to transform it into a longer-term peace, which is ultimately what Gaza's children desperately need for their wellbeing and future.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)
Al Jazeera English
04:27 - 04:56
What are the current conditions for children in Gaza?
Gaza is currently one of the worst places on earth to be a child, with over 1.1 million children affected by 15 months of severe deprivation. More than 70% of buildings have been destroyed, leaving families without adequate shelter, healthcare, and basic necessities. Despite ceasefire discussions, humanitarian aid restrictions continue, with critical items like mobile homes being blocked from entering Gaza. Children are struggling for warmth, health, and safety amid this ongoing crisis, which UNICEF describes as dire and in urgent need of sustained international support.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
Al Jazeera English
00:39 - 00:56
What are the key issues in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations taking place in Cairo?
Israeli negotiators are in Cairo discussing the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, but significant challenges remain. Israel is still blocking the entry of critical humanitarian supplies that were promised under the deal, specifically mobile shelters and heavy equipment needed in the Strip. These resources are essential for the devastated population, where over 70% of buildings are destroyed and children lack basic necessities like shelter and clean water. This obstruction of aid delivery represents a major obstacle in fulfilling the terms agreed upon in the ceasefire deal and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:15
What is the current state of destruction in Gaza and what urgent needs do Palestinians have for reconstruction?
Gaza faces catastrophic destruction with over 70% of buildings destroyed, creating an urgent humanitarian crisis. Palestinians desperately need bulldozers and heavy equipment to clear the massive amount of rubble throughout the region. This equipment is not only needed for reconstruction efforts but also serves the grim purpose of recovering thousands of bodies that remain buried beneath the ruins of collapsed structures. The scale of destruction highlights the enormous reconstruction challenge ahead and the immediate humanitarian priorities facing Gaza's population.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)Al Jazeera English
00:15 - 00:26
What would it mean for the children in Gaza if the ceasefire fails and the war resumes?
If the ceasefire fails, Gaza's children would return to a devastating situation where they were being killed in supposed 'safe zones,' dying from malnutrition in their mothers' arms, suffering in hospitals, and even being crushed to death while waiting for basic necessities like flour. Before the ceasefire, children faced extreme dangers and deprivation, with no truly safe spaces. UNICEF emphasizes that a return to conflict would mean reverting to these horrific conditions, which is why maintaining the ceasefire is critically important for protecting over a million children in Gaza from further violence and suffering.
Watch clip answer (00:38m)Al Jazeera English
03:21 - 04:00
What would happen to children in Gaza if the ceasefire were to collapse?
If the ceasefire fails, the consequences for Gaza's children would be catastrophic. Just weeks ago, children were being killed in so-called safe zones, dying from malnutrition in their mothers' arms, languishing in pain in hospitals, and even being crushed to death while waiting for flour. This dire scenario could return if hostilities resume. UNICEF emphasizes that returning to such conditions is unacceptable, as it would mean reverting to a situation where children face extreme violence, starvation, and inadequate medical care. The stakes are extraordinarily high for the 1.1 million children in Gaza who remain vulnerable.
Watch clip answer (00:51m)
Al Jazeera English
03:09 - 04:00