Gaza: After the breakthrough in the Security Council, agencies have highlighted the plight of youngsters in the region. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the Security Council resolution enabling a consolidated ceasefire and the establishment of a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza, UN aid teams have warned that many Palestinian children in the enclave are not prepared to endure another harsh winter.
According to United Nations, UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson Ricardo Pires expressed optimism about the peace plans improving the situation, yet emphasized the ongoing tragic reality for children on the ground. Jens Laerke of the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) highlighted the hypothetical nature of the Security Council resolution on the US peace plan, stressing the need for concrete actions while recalling the UN chief's support for the development.
The resolution, announced by US President Trump on 29 September, received backing from 13 Security Council countries, with China and Russia abstaining. It endorses the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict and welcomes the transitional administration known as the Board of Peace, which President Trump is reportedly set to chair. This administration will establish a temporary international force in Gaza and coordinate reconstruction efforts, including humanitarian assistance delivery.
In a statement, UN Secretary-General Guterres encouraged respect for the fragile ceasefire by all parties involved in the conflict, which began following Hamas-led attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023. He acknowledged the diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, the United States, and other regional neighbors and emphasized the importance of progressing towards the second phase of the U.S. Plan for a political process aimed at achieving a two-State solution.
Meanwhile, aid agencies in Gaza stressed that more than two years of destructive conflict and a chronic lack of assistance have left the population exhausted. Heavy rains have recently flooded worn-out tents sheltering displaced individuals, further exacerbating their dire conditions. UNICEF's Ricardo Pires shared stories of desperate families, highlighting the dangers of winter for children lacking nutrition, warm clothing, and shelter.
Pires also noted the increase in medical assistance sought by children weakened by years of malnutrition, trauma, and displacement. He explained that due to Israeli forces occupying over half of the enclave, many shelter-seeking areas are coastal and prone to flooding.
In light of these challenges, Pires called for greater aid access, emphasizing the need for more humanitarian corridors. OCHA reported that more than 5,400 metric tonnes of aid were collected over four days, with the Zikim border crossing reopening after two months, increasing the number of available crossings to three. Pires underscored the significance of the Zikim crossing's reopening, noting that UNICEF recently delivered 96 pallets of high-energy biscuits to the famine-stricken north of Gaza. He stressed the need for more aid, expressing hope that the new plan will bring relief to children and families.