GENEVA: Gaza is "the most dangerous place in the world" for a child, the UN children's agency spokesperson said on Tuesday, expressing his rage at the situation there after returning from the Palestinian territory.
"I'm furious that those with power shrug at the humanitarian nightmares unleashed on a million children," UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told a press briefing after spending nearly two weeks in Gaza.
He spoke of children having undergone amputations and who were then "killed in those hospitals" as the Israeli army bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues after the unprecedented October 7 attack.
"I'm furious that there are more children hiding as we speak who will no doubt be hit and have amputations in the coming days," he said.
He said the Nasser hospital in southern Gaza's main city Khan Younis -- the largest facility still functioning -- "was shelled twice" in the last 48 hours.
This hospital "not only shelters large numbers of children who had already been badly injured in attacks on their homes, but hundreds of women and children seeking safety," he said.
Gaza's health ministry said Israel's retaliatory assault has killed at least 19,667 people, mostly women and children, while devastating large swathes of the coastal territory.
"I'm furious that Christmas is likely going to bring increased savagery and attacks as the world is distracted with its own love and goodwill," Elder said, deploring the deaths of thousands of children in Gaza who are "becoming statistics".
"I'm furious that hypocrisy is crushing empathy," he said of the situation, adding, "I'm furious at myself for not being able to do more."
International alarm has mounted over the plight of 2.4 million Gazans forced to endure daily bombardment, food and water shortages and mass displacement.
The EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell accused Israel on Monday of displaying an "appalling lack of distinction" in its campaign in Gaza, highlighting the deaths of Israeli hostages, worshippers and other Palestinian civilians.
Human Rights Watch said on Monday Israel was "using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare".
"Israeli forces are deliberately blocking the delivery of water, food and fuel, while wilfully impeding humanitarian assistance, apparently razing agricultural areas," the New York-based group said.
At the Rafah crossing, previously the only point where aid had been allowed through, families gathered in the hopes of finally being allowed across to safety.
"We've been here for about a month," said Safa Fathi Hamad. "We are going to die, food is very limited and we have no protection." — AFP
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