Support Children in Gaza and the West Bank

Dear Friend,

Six months into the escalation of the current conflict, more than 13,000 children are reported dead and over 100,000 Palestinians killed or injured across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 still held hostage, including innocent children. Since October 7, 2023, unprecedented violence has been unleashed against innocent children. The situation in Gaza is horrific and is only becoming worse.

More than 105,000 Palestinians – nearly five percent of the entire population in Gaza – have been killed or injured. At least 31,923 Palestinians, up to 70 percent of which are women and children, have tragically lost their lives and over 74,096 Palestinians, including 11,874 children have been reported injured. The devastation to infrastructure and housing is escalating with 1.7 million people, nearly 80 percent of Gaza's entire population, displaced from their homes. Overcrowding, inadequate hygiene, and a lack of privacy and safety from the violence are fueling serious health and protection issues. Women and children, already battling dehydration, malnutrition, and illness, are being forced into cramped spaces and do not have the essential resources for survival.

Your flexible support has helped support malnourished children and prevent more deaths.

In the above photo, two-year old Leen, is getting her middle-upper-arm-circumference (MUAC) measured, her MUAC reads less than 10, indicating severe acute malnutrition and drastic weight loss and muscle atrophy. Before the war, she was actively receiving appropriate medications and physical therapy, which helped her weight reach 24 pounds and showed signs of health improvement.

However, after her family was displaced from Khan Yunis for 130 days, Leen's health sharply declined. Without access to necessary medications or adequate food, she gradually lost weight, eventually weighing just 15 pounds.

Recognizing the severity of her situation, UNICEF intervened, and Leen was transferred to Al Awda Hospital for treatment specialized care; her condition is anticipated to improve within two weeks.

Thank you for supporting UNICEF’s work to address the immediate and longer-term needs of 2.1 million people, including 1.5 million children, who remain deeply impacted by the conflict.

Your support has been and will continue to be essential to UNICEF’s ability to reach the most vulnerable children, the most crisis-affected children and the forgotten children suffering the unthinkable effects of this conflict.

In partnership,

Marisa Ferguson