UNICEF calls for supplies to enter Gaza and urgent funding

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) called for work on shelter, water and sewage infrastructure to be allowed to proceed to protect children in Gaza from winter conditions. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder warned that deaths from hypothermia and disease outbreaks could occur if the necessary supplies were not allowed into the territory.

Answering questions about the situation in Gaza, Elder said children were facing their fourth winter under difficult conditions. He said flooding and freezing weather had hit before winter had fully begun, and that the tents in which families were trying to protect their children had been inundated.

Preparations for infrastructure repairs are complete

According to Elder, plans for repairing and rebuilding water treatment plants and sewage systems had been drawn up, funding had been raised and engineering work had been completed. However, Elder said the Israeli authorities were preventing the necessary construction materials from entering.

Elder said an agreement had been reached a year ago with officials, engineers and the Gaza Peace Board to rebuild a major facility in Gaza. He said the plan, intended to prevent sewage overflows, was later rejected. He stressed that the risk of disease could increase if rainfall intensified and sewage flowed into cities.

Two requests to the international community

Elder called on the international community to use its influence with the Israeli government to ensure international humanitarian law was upheld and the necessary supplies were provided. He said these supplies were needed to repair water systems, carry out reconstruction work and move families out of tents.

Elder said the second request was for funding, reporting that UNICEF was facing a shortage of resources for its work in water, sanitation, nutrition, education and protection. He called on governments to fund these activities, support cash assistance and ensure access to medicines and healthcare.