UNICEF: Gaza is the 'most dangerous place in the world for children'

The head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) described Gaza as the 'most dangerous place in the world for children.' Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, told the UN Security Council that reports indicate over 5,300 Palestinian children have been killed since October 6. Russell, who visited Gaza last week, stated during the council's briefing on women and children in Gaza that 'the real cost of this war will be measured by the lives of children.' She emphasized that without an end to the war and full access to humanitarian aid, the costs will increase exponentially. Russell noted that the impact of the violence in Gaza on children is 'catastrophic, reckless, and disproportionate.' Israel has agreed to a four-day ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and to release at least 50 Hamas hostages in exchange for at least 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, told the 15-member council that women in Gaza say they pray for peace, but if peace does not come, they pray for a quick death in their sleep while holding their children. She stated, 'Such a wish from a mother should shame us all.' Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting children. Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the UN, accused Hamas of years of child exploitation in Gaza and claimed that the UN has an anti-Israel stance. He stated, 'As soon as the temporary ceasefire ends, we will continue our efforts with full force to achieve our goals. We will not cease our efforts until we ensure that all of Hamas's terrorist capabilities are eliminated and they can no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israeli civilians and the women and children of Gaza.' The head of the UN Population Fund told the Security Council that 5,500 pregnant women are expected to give birth in Gaza next month. Natalia Kanem, the executive director of this agency, said that nearly 180 women give birth every day under 'terrible conditions,' and the future of their newborns is uncertain. She added that the UN Population Fund is concerned about the situation of about 7,000 women who have given birth in the past 47 days and lack access to healthcare, clean water, and nutritious food. Hamas has denied operating in places like Gaza hospitals and using civilians as human shields. Israeli military forces arrested Mohammed Abusleimah, the head of Shifa Hospital, and several doctors from this hospital in Gaza on Thursday, December 2, after the Israeli army released videos showing two Hamas hostages at this medical facility. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, called the ceasefire agreement 'an important step in the right direction' and said more actions are needed to end 'this suffering.' Hospitals in Gaza are requesting assistance to evacuate patients amid the risk of 'widespread disease outbreaks' and child casualties. Premature infants from Gaza have been transferred to Egypt. Doctors Without Borders has requested Israel to show its 'humanity.' UNICEF has called for access to humanitarian aid for the residents of Gaza.