A classroom lost every day; The silent genocide in Gaza

In a devastating report on Gaza's humanitarian crisis, the United Nations announced that more than 17,000 Palestinian children have been killed and over 33,000 injured during the ongoing war. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, shared these figures during a UN Security Council meeting, stating:

“Every one of the one million children living in Gaza has endured immense suffering.”

She added that, on average, 28 children are killed daily in Gaza — the equivalent of an entire classroom — and this has continued for nearly two years. According to her, the number of children suffering from severe malnutrition reached nearly 6,000 in June, marking a 180% increase compared to February. UNICEF has warned that these children face lifelong damage.

Tom Fletcher, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, also described the situation in Gaza as "beyond words" during the same meeting. He warned that food supplies are running out and civilians are being shot at while trying to access food.

He stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated under the Geneva Conventions to provide food and medicine to civilians.

Fletcher urged the Security Council to examine whether the Israeli military is taking all necessary precautions to avoid civilian casualties during its operations.

Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called the reports of killings at food distribution sites “horrifying.” He cited the case of a 21-year-old man who was shot while trying to get flour and has been permanently paralyzed.

Dujarric also reported a rise in dangerous childbirths in Gaza, saying: “Pregnant women are giving birth in darkness, without electricity or specialized medical care.”

He added that more than 80% of people with disabilities have lost their essential equipment due to the war.