| The prolonged armed conflict and the blocking of aid entering Gaza, and all interferences to the direct distribution of resources to those in need, have created a catastrophic humanitarian situation for the people of Gaza, and in particular its children and infants. “It is my obligation to remind all parties to the conflict that they are bound to comply with international law, and particularly international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Within these obligations figures the responsibility to protect children from harm, as clearly stated by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Geneva Conventions of 1949. A most fundamental right of a child is the right to life, and life, today, in Gaza in particular, is under severe and imminent threat,” urged SRSG Gamba. In June 2025, the Secretary General’s Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict will be presented to the Security Council. Grave violations against children will -once again- show a steady and shocking increase vis-à-vis prior years, particularly in children killed and maimed and in those denied basic lifesaving humanitarian assistance. Echoing the UN Secretary-General’s message on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Special Representative called on all parties, and those who can influence them, to immediately restore the ceasefire and immediately and unconditionally release all hostages. “I call on Israel to facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief to civilians in need, and I call on all parties not to obstruct nor commandeer resources needed to sustain the life of the most vulnerable, so that the United Nations and its partners can resume aid at scale across Gaza ”, concluded Ms. Gamb |
