GENEVA: Ten children per day are losing one or both of their legs in the Gaza Strip, according to Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
During a press conference on Tuesday, Lazzarini stated, “Basically, we have every day 10 children who are losing one leg or two legs on average. This gives you an idea of the scope of the type of childhood a child can have in Gaza.”
Citing figures from the UN children’s agency UNICEF, he said that figure “does not even include the arms and the hands, and we have many more” of these.
Lazzarini warned, “We have cash until the end of August,” highlighting a significant shortfall of $140 million needed to maintain operations throughout the year.
He described the situation on the ground in the Gaza Strip as “hell,” noting that delivering aid is becoming increasingly difficult. Relief supplies are being looted and truck drivers face threats, discouraging companies from providing tr
ansport.
Lazzarini reiterated the critical role UNRWA plays in the region and called for the protection of the agency and its ability to continue providing vital assistance.
Source: Emirates News Agency