UNICEF Chief Warns Gaxa Children To Face Postgenerational Challenges

Children in Gaza queue for food. (Twitter @UNRWA)

JAKARTA - After the latest conflict between Palestinian militant groups and Israel broke out in Gaza, the UNICEF chief warned children in the Palestinian enclave would face "postgenerational challenges" as a result of the conflict.

"If you really see Gaza through the eyes of a child, it is hell," UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell told CBS News "Face the Nation" on Sunday, recording the death toll and family evacuation, as well as a lack of sustainable food and clean water..

"They are very traumatized by what happened," said Russell.

"Even if we could get more supplies there, the trauma these children are experiencing will be a challenge for life and even postgeneration for them," he said.

The latest conflict in Gaza broke out after a Palestinian militant group led by Hamas attacked Israel's southern region on October 7, 2023, leaving about 1,200 people dead another 250 held hostage according to Israeli tally.

On the other hand, Palestinian authorities announced on Sunday that Israel's retaliatory attacks have so far killed 41,870 Palestinians and 97,166 others injured, mostly women and children, quoted from WAFA.

Russell said it remains "very dangerous" to distribute aid humanitarian aid in Gaza. However, he praised his organization with "successful stories" in vaccinating thousands of children for polio in the area.

Regarding Israeli military operations in Lebanon targeting the Hezbollah group, the UNICEF chief said "speed and intensity are surprising" and "it makes it difficult for us" to reach about 1 million people who are displaced there.

"I feel confident at the moment that we can meet our needs but need a very large effort from our side to do so," said Russell.