14,000 Babies Could Die in Gaza in Next 48 Hours if Aid Doesn’t Reach Them: UN
The United Nations has issued a dire warning that 14,000 babies in Gaza could die within the next 48 hours if more aid does not enter the territory. This alarming prediction comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with an 11-week blockade by Israel finally being lifted on Sunday.
According to UN’s humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, the current aid supplies in Gaza are insufficient to meet the basic needs of the population, particularly the most vulnerable, including newborn babies and young children. In a statement, Fletcher emphasized that the current aid supply is just a “drop in the ocean” and that much more is needed to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
The warning comes as Gaza faces an unprecedented aid crisis, with the territory’s hospitals and healthcare system on the brink of collapse. The blockade, which was imposed by Israel in June, has severely limited the flow of goods and supplies into Gaza, including critical medical equipment and life-saving medicine.
The situation is particularly dire for newborn babies and young children, who require specialized care and nutrition to survive. The UN estimates that 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of dying in the next 48 hours if more aid does not arrive. This number includes babies who are malnourished, underweight, and vulnerable to life-threatening infections and diseases.
Fletcher’s warning is based on a comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been conducted by the UN. The assessment reveals that the territory’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, with hospitals and clinics struggling to provide even basic medical care to patients.
The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing power crisis in Gaza, which has left many hospitals and healthcare facilities without access to electricity. This has made it impossible for medical staff to perform life-saving procedures and has resulted in the loss of critical medical equipment and supplies.
The UN’s warning is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the blockade on the people of Gaza. The blockade has caused widespread suffering and has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the territory.
The UN’s call for more aid to be sent to Gaza is a urgent appeal to the international community to take immediate action to prevent a humanitarian disaster. The UN is urging governments and aid organizations around the world to provide emergency assistance to Gaza, including food, medicine, and medical equipment.
In a statement, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. “We must act quickly and decisively to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Gaza,” he said. “The international community must come together to provide emergency assistance to the people of Gaza and to support the reconstruction efforts in the territory.”
The international community has responded to the UN’s appeal, with several governments and aid organizations announcing plans to send aid to Gaza. The European Union has pledged to provide emergency assistance to Gaza, including food, medicine, and medical equipment. The United States has also announced plans to provide aid to Gaza, although the details of the aid package have not been released.
In conclusion, the warning from the UN’s humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher is a stark reminder of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The situation is critical, and immediate action is needed to prevent a humanitarian disaster. The international community must come together to provide emergency assistance to Gaza and to support the reconstruction efforts in the territory.
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