United Nations agencies have raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million people remain trapped under dire conditions, deprived of basic necessities.

Louise Wateridge, Emergency Officer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza, reported on Friday that residents are unable to flee the region, describing the grim reality as "a situation where every possible route leads to death."

UNRWA further highlighted that the agency has been forced to make heartbreaking decisions, prioritizing food over shelter as supplies intended for Gaza have been blocked outside the region for the past six months. Worsening weather conditions have compounded the crisis, with families left to face the elements without adequate protection.

Children Bear the Brunt of the Crisis
The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the devastating impact on Gaza’s children. Rosalia Bolin, UNICEF's Chief Communications Officer in Gaza, described the situation as "a war on children," urging global leaders to take immediate action to end their suffering.

Bolin stated that children in Gaza are experiencing severe violations of their rights, with their futures being systematically destroyed. Over the past 14 months, more than 14,500 children have reportedly been killed, while thousands more have been injured.

“Gaza is one of the most heart-wrenching places for humanitarian workers,” Bolin said. “Every effort to save a child’s life is overshadowed by relentless devastation.”

Winter Intensifies Suffering
As winter sets in, conditions in Gaza have become increasingly dire. UNICEF reports that children are enduring cold and damp weather, many still dressed in summer clothes and walking barefoot. With hospitals under attack and healthcare services collapsing, diseases are spreading rapidly across the region.

Children have been seen scavenging through rubble for plastic to burn for warmth, underscoring the severity of the crisis. Bolin described these conditions as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global intervention to prevent further loss of life and suffering.

Call for Action
Both UNRWA and UNICEF have called on the international community to provide immediate support and take decisive action to alleviate the crisis. With supplies restricted and humanitarian agencies forced to make impossible choices, the situation in Gaza represents one of the gravest humanitarian emergencies in the world today.

The voices of children, parents, and aid workers serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to end this suffering and rebuild hope for Gaza’s future.