The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that while the recent ceasefire in Gaza has eased access for humanitarian aid, it alone cannot end the immense suffering of children in the region. Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasised the urgent need to address the devastating conditions faced by children, who bear the brunt of this humanitarian crisis.

In a statement released today, UNICEF highlighted its intensified efforts to deliver critical supplies and services, including the successful deployment of over 350 trucks in the first week of the ceasefire and a target of 50 trucks daily. However, Russell painted a bleak picture of Gaza’s situation, describing the collapse of essential services, the widespread destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, and the emotional scars left on families returning to devastated neighbourhoods.

UNICEF has stressed the importance of keeping humanitarian corridors open and ensuring adequate funding to meet the region's urgent needs. Beyond delivering aid, the organisation is focusing on disease prevention through immunisation campaigns, addressing malnutrition, and increasing hospital capacity, particularly in neonatal care.

The release of 12 children under the age of 15 from Israeli prisons was welcomed by UNICEF, which reiterated its call for the end of child detentions in all forms. This small step offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing suffering, but it underscores the need for the international community to prioritise Gaza’s children in recovery efforts.

While the ceasefire has provided momentary relief, the scars—both physical and emotional—run deep. UNICEF’s message is clear: true recovery for Gaza’s children requires more than temporary truces; it demands sustained, focused action to restore their safety, education, and future.