UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini revealed on Tuesday that an average of ten children in Gaza are losing one or both of their legs every day due to the ongoing conflict.
The distressing statistic, corroborated by UNICEF data, does not even encompass the numerous cases of arm and hand injuries suffered by young victims.
Lazzarini emphasized that the amputations are frequently conducted in appalling conditions and, at times, without the use of anesthesia.
Over the course of more than 260 days of relentless warfare, an estimated 2,000 children have undergone these traumas in Gaza as a result of the conflict.
Save the Children’s recent statement indicated that around 21,000 children have gone missing amidst the chaos of the war.
Additionally, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a death toll of at least 37,658 individuals in response to Israel’s military actions following an attack by Hamas on southern Israel in October.
The dire situation is exacerbated by the financial strain faced by UNRWA, which Lazzarini highlighted, stating that the agency is currently only funded until the end of August. He stressed the urgent need to secure an additional $140 million in funding to provide essential aid and assistance in Gaza for the remainder of the year.
