The war campaign has devastating consequences for them, already traumatized and exhausted by nearly two years of relentless war, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, warned in a statement.

“We are warning of an imminent catastrophe as the military operation expands,” “With shelters and services limited or nonexistent, the ongoing escalation is resulting in disproportionate civilian casualties,” he stressed.

The official condemned the use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas like Gaza City, noting that it leads to devastating damage, killings, and maiming of civilians, including children, and the destruction of homes, schools, and vital water systems.

The UN has already declared a state of famine in that city, where more than 10,000 children suffer from acute malnutrition, he lamented.

Beigbeder warned of the risks to the lives of premature babies in incubators, injured children in intensive care units, or children with disabilities, who must be safely evacuated amid the ongoing violence.

“International law is clear: children must always be protected, along with the services on which they depend,” therefore, he called on Israel to comply with its legal obligations and urged the international community to act immediately to prevent a further disaster.

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