NUNZIUM

The autumn of 2023 has been marred by escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip, with a death toll surpassing 3,450 children by October 31. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has been at the forefront of advocating for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting the severe water crisis that has diminished the region's water production to a mere 5% of its usual output. The scarcity of clean water has led to an alarming increase in child deaths from dehydration and illness related to consuming salty water.

The children of Gaza, including 4-year-old Talia and 7-year-old Zain, are the silent witnesses of this catastrophe. Their mother, Nesma, a UNICEF colleague living and working in Gaza, has seen firsthand the mental health toll on the region's children. Even before the current escalation, over 800,000 children, three-quarters of Gaza's child population, were identified as needing mental health and psychosocial support. The current situation has only exacerbated this need.

The Israeli declaration of war on Hamas on October 7 has led to numerous airstrikes and a siege on Gaza City, with children making up more than 40% of the casualties. The crisis is worsened by the closure of 14 hospitals and 45 clinics, leaving an estimated 50,000 pregnant women with limited safe childbirth options.

High-ranking officials and aid groups have called the situation "catastrophic". US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, acknowledged the need for civilian protection, though he stopped short of supporting a ceasefire. Regional leaders are pushing for a ceasefire, warning that the conflict could plunge the region into an “abyss of hatred and dehumanisation”.

The United States House of Representatives approved a nearly $14.5 billion military aid package for Israel, a move led by new Speaker Mike Johnson. However, President Joe Biden has threatened to veto the bill, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated it has little chance of passing in the Senate.

Blinken is working to build support for a post-war Gaza future among Arab nations. He has held talks with foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the chair of the PLO executive committee, discussing US efforts to secure humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

The conflict has strained international relations, with Turkey recalling its ambassador to Israel over the refusal to accept a ceasefire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has severed contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response to Israel's actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah accused the United States of being "entirely responsible" for the conflict, with the U.S. warning Hezbollah and Iran against entering the war.

Blinken met with Netanyahu on a recent visit to Israel, discussing the need to protect civilians and allow aid into Gaza. Netanyahu, however, refused to agree to a ceasefire until Hamas releases over 240 captives taken on October 7.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the death of over 9,000 Palestinians in Gaza and more than 1,400 people in Israel. As the situation escalates, the international community waits in anticipation for a resolution that will bring an end to the suffering and restore peace to the region.