Foreign Aid Policy
What is the current situation for children in Gaza despite the ceasefire?
Despite the end of bombings and bullets after 15 months of conflict, children in Gaza continue to suffer from an ongoing humanitarian crisis. While their lives may no longer be threatened by direct violence, the cessation of fighting hasn't resolved the fundamental humanitarian challenges they face. As UNICEF Communications Manager Tess Ingram explains, the humanitarian crisis persists even in the absence of active warfare. More than 1.1 million children still lack access to adequate shelter, safe water, and essential healthcare services, creating conditions of continued suffering despite the formal ceasefire.
Watch clip answer (00:12m)
Al Jazeera English
01:10 - 01:22
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 challenges are facing the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement?
The implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement faces significant challenges as Israeli negotiators meet in Cairo to discuss its continuation. Israel is currently blocking the entry of essential supplies that were agreed upon under the deal, specifically mobile shelters and heavy equipment needed for Gaza. This obstruction occurs amid a humanitarian crisis where approximately 70% of buildings have been destroyed, leaving over 1.1 million children in desperate need of shelter, water, and healthcare. The restrictions on aid entry are exacerbating the already dire situation, making it difficult for organizations like UNICEF to provide necessary assistance to the affected population.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)
Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:15
What is the current situation for children in Gaza and what impact is the restriction on mobile shelters having on them?
Based on Tess Ingram's recent two-week visit to Gaza, children are living in extremely difficult conditions, sitting in rubble and rain without adequate shelter. With over 70% of buildings destroyed and mobile homes not being allowed into Gaza, children lack basic protection from the elements. The restriction on mobile shelters is particularly devastating because it denies children safe housing during ongoing displacement. These children face multiple deprivations simultaneously - inadequate shelter, limited healthcare, insufficient clothing, and continued exposure to harsh weather conditions, all while trying to process their traumatic experiences.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)Al Jazeera English
00:33 - 01:09
Why is it important for the ceasefire in Gaza to hold?
The ceasefire is imperative because it enables aid to continue flowing to meet children's basic needs after 15 months of deprivation. It ensures children don't return to fearing for their lives in an environment where no safe place exists in Gaza. UNICEF has been able to scale up its response due to the ceasefire, allowing them to deliver essential support to 1.1 million children. If the ceasefire fails, humanitarian work becomes significantly more difficult, which is why all parties are urged to adhere to its terms and work toward sustaining it into a longer-term peace.
Watch clip answer (00:52m)
Al Jazeera English
04:03 - 04:56
How many Syrians have been displaced in the last 14 years?
More than 7 million Syrians have been displaced in the last 14 years due to a combination of war and natural disasters. These individuals are now facing a severe humanitarian crisis in northern Syria, living in makeshift camps with diminishing resources. The situation has worsened significantly following major cuts to foreign assistance, which has led to the closure of critical medical facilities including Babel Hawa Hospital. These cuts have dramatically impacted healthcare access for millions who depend on humanitarian aid for survival.
Watch clip answer (00:03m)
Al Jazeera English
00:18 - 00:22