UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini declared Gaza a "graveyard" for children, condemning the severe toll on young lives due to ongoing violence. Marking World Children's Day, Lazzarini highlighted the devastation faced by children in Gaza, who suffer from death, injury, displacement, and the loss of basic rights such as safety, education, and play. The crisis has left many children unable to attend school, leading to fears of a "lost generation."
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Palestinian National Council called for global action, stressing the dire humanitarian conditions for children in Gaza and the West Bank. Children in Gaza endure severe shortages of essentials like food and clean water, while children in the West Bank face arbitrary detention and violations of their fundamental rights.
The National Council's statement noted that since October 2023, Palestinian children have been disproportionately affected by conflict, with many killed, orphaned, or suffering from disease amid the ongoing blockade. The council criticized the global community for failing to address the crisis, which they describe as "genocide."