30 December 2008 - Save the Children is renewing its call for an immediate end to the bombing and rocket attacks in the Middle East following reports
that a growing number of children are among the more than 300 people killed during three days of air strikes.
The United Nations reported on Monday that at least 21 children had died
during the recent air strikes. "Hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza - and many children in Israel as well -- are living each day in fear of additional attacks," said Ned
Olney, a director for emergency response at Save the Children. "For the sake of the children, we once again urge all concerned parties to find a solution to the current political impasse that is
adversely affecting the lives of nearly every child in Gaza while also endangering the lives of Israeli children in areas subject to possible rocket attacks. We also are seeking full access of
humanitarian assistance into Gaza."
Save the Children, which has worked in the Middle East since 1953, has one of the largest humanitarian operations in the region. The agency has
prepared hundreds of food parcels to deliver to children and families impacted by the crisis in Gaza but it has delayed delivery until the bombing has stopped and it is safe for staff members to make
the deliveries.
Prior to the recent air strikes, the agency warned of a growing humanitarian crisis for children in Gaza. Among the latest findings, based on recent United Nations data:• Tens of thousands of children in Gaza City are receiving water only once a week for a few hours.
• Health care has deteriorated, and many essential medicines for children
are not available.
• More than half of Gaza's children are in need of food assistance.
• Malnutrition among children is increasing with bread, fruits, vegetables and dairy
products in very short supply.
• Hundreds of children have been forced out of school in search of work.
"Save the Children continues to work in Gaza under very difficult
circumstances," said Olney. "We are ready to distribute hundreds of food parcels to children affected by the recent air strikes and we also plan to deliver additional medicines and medical
supplies to local hospitals. We are targeting the critical health needs of children including severe malnutrition and working to improve access to clean water in five areas in Gaza. We also have
created a number of activities to help keep children in school and safe."
"But so much more needs to be done, and there are very few funds available for us to increase our
programs or to launch new ones. That is why we are making this special appeal for help." DONATE NOW
Save the Children needs your support to help us meet the most critical
needs of children and families in Gaza. Your donation will help us provide drinking water, improved sanitation, food distribution and other necessities. Please visit www.savethechildren.org or your national Save the Children
organisation.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Palestinians bury the body of 4-year-old Lama Hamdan at Beit Hanoun cemetery in the northern Gaza Strip December 30, 2008. Israel on Tuesday rejected any truce with Hamas Islamists in the ...
