From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 20s
Winter threatens 540,000 children in Gaza and West Bank
UNICEF launches emergency appeal as freezing temperatures and damaged shelters put vulnerable children at risk of hypothermia and disease.
In brief
UNICEF launches emergency appeal as freezing temperatures and damaged shelters put vulnerable children at risk of hypothermia and disease. Winter conditions in Gaza and the West Bank pose life-threatening risks to children living in damaged shelters and displacement camps, requiring urgent humanitarian funding…
Winter emergency in Gaza
UNICEF launched a 97.5 million dollar appeal to help 540,000 children and families survive the coming winter in Gaza and the West Bank.
“For hundreds of thousands of children, winter is not just a seasonal hardship; the winter months pose an additional threat to their survival, safety, and well-being.”
Dangerous living conditions
Nearly 84 percent of Gaza's population lives in overcrowded displacement sites or damaged shelters with minimal protection from cold weather and heavy rains.
Children face deadly risks
Infants and children with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to hypothermia, respiratory infections, and waterborne diseases from cold exposure and poor living conditions.
Last winter's death toll
At least 11 children, including infants, died from hypothermia in Gaza during the previous winter. Timely assistance could prevent further deaths.
Building collapse hampers rescue
A war-damaged residential building collapsed in Gaza City this week, killing or missing children. Rescue efforts were blocked by lack of heavy machinery and equipment.
West Bank families also vulnerable
In the West Bank, violence, displacement, movement restrictions and financial crisis are leaving children increasingly exposed to harsh winter conditions.
The main idea
Winter conditions in Gaza and the West Bank pose life-threatening risks to children living in damaged shelters and displacement camps, requiring urgent humanitarian funding.
