Regional spokesperson for UNICEF, Saleem Oweis, described the situation of children in the Gaza Strip as deeply tragic, affirming that the Strip has become "the most dangerous place in the world for children."

In a statement to Al Mayadeen TV, Oweis warned of the real danger that the crisis of hunger and malnutrition could spread to the entire population of Gaza, amid the catastrophic conditions endured by civilians since the beginning of the aggression.

He explained that UNICEF continues its work inside Gaza, but is facing immense obstacles, as the current situation does not allow freedom of movement, greatly complicating the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Oweis stressed that current efforts are focused on delivering life-saving emergency assistance, noting that stocks of therapeutic and preventative food for malnutrition have been depleted—escalating the already dire health situation.

He added that 5,100 children were admitted for treatment in May alone due to acute malnutrition, while 470,000 people in the Strip are suffering from severe food insecurity. He warned that the entire population faces the threat of famine, calling it “a truly terrifying reality.”

Since March 2, the Zionist entity has completely sealed Gaza’s crossings, blocking the entry of food, humanitarian aid, medical supplies, goods, and fuel—leading to a severe deterioration in humanitarian conditions.

With direct American backing, the Zionist army has been committing a genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, leaving over 199,000 dead and injured, most of them children and women, in addition to more than 11,000 missing persons, many still trapped under the rubble or detained.