In the past week, another child has died in the Gaza Strip because of rain and cold temperatures. Since the start of the ceasefire, UNICEF teams have scaled up assistance for children in Gaza, reaching more children with therapeutic food, water, warm clothing and blankets. However, the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.
“UNICEF is deeply saddened by the preventable tragic death of Ata Mai, a seven-year-old boy, who drowned on 27 December during severe flooding in an improvised camp for internally displaced people in Sudaniyeh, northwest of Gaza City, the most recent child in Gaza to die due to the extreme winter conditions and lack of safe shelters,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East. At least five other children died under similar circumstances in December alone.
“Ata went missing in the afternoon and, despite search and rescue efforts supported by heavy machinery, his body was only recovered hours later. Ata’s siblings are all under ten years old, and the family had already endured the loss of their mother during the war,” Beigbeder added.
Dire conditions in camps across the Gaza Strip
This tragedy highlights the extreme risks faced by children in the most affected areas of Gaza. Due to the widespread destruction of homes and water and sanitation infrastructure, children are left exposed to the elements.
Heavy rainfall, strong winds and freezing temperatures this week have severely impacted around 100,000 families living in makeshift shelters without adequate protection. “Teams visiting displacement camps reported appalling conditions that no child should endure,” said Beigbeder.
Together with its partners, UNICEF is providing life-saving assistance to affected families. Teams are installing temporary water networks, distributing hygiene supplies, tarpaulins and blankets, and improving sanitation facilities. They are also working to clean and restore sewage lines, clear rainwater drainage systems and reinforce tents to protect them from flooding.
Children in the Gaza Strip are bearing the brunt of this devastating situation. They have a right to protection and safe shelter. All efforts must be directed towards ensuring this.
