Gaza now has highest rate of child amputees per capita, UN reports

Gaza now holds the tragic distinction of having the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world, according to the United Nations. This follows over a year of devastating conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions in the enclave.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the statement on Monday, addressing a Cairo conference aimed at accelerating humanitarian aid to Gaza. His remarks, delivered by his deputy, described the situation in Gaza as "appalling and apocalyptic". Guterres highlighted that many children in Gaza have lost limbs and undergone surgeries without anaesthesia, underscoring the extreme suffering faced by the population.

"The war has left Gaza with the highest number of child amputees per capita anywhere in the world," Guterres said. "Many children are losing limbs without even anaesthesia."

Warning of grave international crimes

Guterres also warned that the conditions in Gaza may amount to the "gravest international crimes". He pointed to the widespread malnutrition and imminent famine, stressing the collapse of Gaza's health system. “Malnutrition is rampant... Famine is imminent. Meanwhile, the health system has collapsed,” he said.

The UN Secretary-General also condemned the severe restrictions on aid delivery, calling the current levels of aid "grossly insufficient". According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), only 65 aid trucks per day were able to enter Gaza in the past month, compared to the pre-war average of 500.

Aid delivery 'Grossly Insufficient'

International aid agencies have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, warning that civilians are on the brink of famine. The volume of aid reaching the territory has dropped significantly since the onset of the Israeli offensive.

Israel, which imposed a complete siege on Gaza early in the conflict, has blamed the problems with aid on the inability of relief organisations to handle and distribute the large quantities of supplies. However, Guterres argued that the crisis is not about logistics but "a crisis of political will and of respect for fundamental principles of international humanitarian law".

He criticised the continued blockade, stating, "The blockade of aid to Gaza is not a crisis of logistics, but a crisis of political will."

Blocked aid and denied access

UNRWA reported that all of its attempts to deliver aid into northern Gaza between October 6 and November 25 had either been "denied" or "impeded", with fierce fighting in the area making it increasingly difficult to reach those in need.

Guterres reiterated that UNRWA plays an "irreplaceable" role in providing vital services to millions of Palestinians. He added, "If UNRWA is forced to close, the responsibility of replacing its vital services would rest with Israel."

As the war continues, the international community faces growing calls for action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.