The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has made an appeal to Israel, urging the nation to permit the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. This appeal is grounded in the potential repercussions for approximately one million children who are reportedly at risk due to the absence of essential supplies. According to a statement released by UNICEF, aid has not crossed into Gaza since March 2, leading to significant shortages of food, safe water, shelter, and medical supplies.
UNICEF’s concerns extend particularly to the plight of children receiving malnutrition treatment, who are now declared to be “at serious risk” amid ongoing military operations by Israel. The agency also highlighted that the maintenance and repair of waterpoints and wells have completely halted, exacerbating the crisis. Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF’s Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized that critical aid pallets are being impeded, with most of these supplies classified as lifesaving (Twitter statement).
Under international law, notably the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), Israel is obliged to facilitate the free passage of medical and essential supplies intended for civilians. This requirement is contingent on ensuring such aid does not assist enemy military efforts. Article 55 of the Convention further obligates an occupying power to provide necessary food and medical supplies, particularly when local resources are insufficient. Presently, UNICEF notes that access to drinking water in Gaza has precipitously dropped from 16 liters per day to just 6 liters per day.
Israel, a signatory to the Geneva Conventions since 1951, is viewed internationally as the “Occupying Power” of Gaza according to humanitarian law. This assessment follows Israel’s capture of the territory during the 1967 war (Human Rights Watch report).
In recent months, Israel resumed military operations in Gaza, disrupting a ceasefire agreement that had been brokered in late 2024. Both Israel and the United States have indicated that Hamas’s hesitation to release additional hostages was a factor in the renewal of hostilities (NBC News analysis).