Gaza the most dangerous place for children

The head of UNICEF, the UN agency for children, said Gaza is the “most dangerous place in the world” for kids. Catherine Russell spoke to the UN Security Council on Wednesday. 

Over 5,300 children have been killed in Gaza since fighting started in October between Israel and Hamas militants. That’s 40% of all deaths.

Russell welcomed the new deal reached on Wednesday between Israel and Hamas. This deal frees hostages and pauses the fighting.

But Russell said a pause is not enough. She called for an immediate ceasefire to “stop this carnage.” 

Around 1,200 more children in Gaza are believed dead under bombed buildings or missing. 

UNICEF expects 30% more Gaza children could face life-threatening malnutrition in coming months.

The head of another UN agency said over 5,500 pregnant Gaza women will deliver babies in awful conditions this month. 

Another leader said 67% killed in Gaza so far are women and children. That’s two mothers dying every hour, she said.