Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 13, 2026 Peace and security
Despite the ceasefire, children continue to die in Gaza as a result of airstrikes, drone strikes, and hypothermia. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than 100 children have died in the enclave since the beginning of October.
"It's as if one girl or one boy were dying every day," UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva via video link from Gaza.
The cold kills
According to him, several more children have died in recent days from hypothermia due to harsh winter conditions.
"Six children have already died from hypothermia this winter alone," he said, describing "winds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour tearing apart tents on the coast" and "unbearable" cold and dampness.
Medical evacuation is blocked.
Elder noted that the ceasefire has enabled "real progress" in primary healthcare. UNICEF and its partners have opened the first clinics in the northern part of the Gaza Strip and expanded vaccination programs.
However, medical evacuation for children remains effectively blocked: “there is no noticeable improvement” in either the issue of permits for the departure of seriously wounded patients from Gaza or in the willingness of countries to accept these patients, Elder emphasized.
He said that during his last trip, he met with families who were denied evacuation despite completing all formal procedures. Among them was a nine-year-old boy with a fragment in his eye who "will lose sight in one eye, and possibly both," a girl who is in danger of dying without help, and a child who requires a leg amputation.
"All three are obvious candidates for medical evacuation; and all three are still being refused," a UNICEF representative said.
Before the war, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 50 and 100 patients were evacuated from Gaza every day.
The WHO also warned that screening procedures by Israeli authorities continue to delay shipments of medicines and food. Some essential medical supplies are classified as "dual-use" items and are not allowed to be imported.
Ban on NGO activities
James Elder expressed serious concern over Israel's decision ban the activities of international non-governmental organizations, which will take effect next month. He said this means "blocking vital aid."
He also stressed the need to allow international journalists into Gaza: "Much more pressure is needed to allow international media into Gaza."
According to Elder, two years of war have made life "unbearably difficult" for children in Gaza. Many of them, however, do not receive the psychological support they need.
"A ceasefire that reduces the scale of bombing is progress. But a ceasefire that continues burying children is not enough," the UNICEF representative emphasized.
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