The head of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, Anne Skelton, said that Israel is seriously violating the rights of children in the Gaza Strip, at a rare level the likes of which have not been seen in modern history.

Skelton added, during the committee’s statement that she presented at a press conference, regarding the situation of children in Gaza, that there is no child in Gaza free from fear, pain and hunger, and some of them are lucky if they are able to survive, in light of this war, noting that the children in the sector lost their childhood, suffered psychological trauma, and will live forever with its impact on their mental health.

She pointed out, "It is estimated that more than 7,000 people were buried under the rubble, including a large number of children, which brings the total number of victims to more than 100,000 people, in addition to the children who lost their limbs, their families, and their friends," calling for "the necessity of providing psychological support." and significant social and social services for children and families, to mitigate the painful and long-term effects of war.”

She continued: “More than 10 children on average have lost one or both of their legs every day in Gaza since the beginning of the war, according to Save the Children. Estimates of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also indicate that at least 17,000 children have become separated from their parents.” All 1.2 million children now need mental health assistance, psychosocial support, and the attention and action of the international community.”

The Chairperson of the Committee expressed her deep concern about the situation of children living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, who face arbitrary arrests, killings and violence committed by the occupation forces and colonialists.

He touched on the ruling of the International Court of Justice last January 26, in the case brought by South Africa regarding Israel committing genocide in Gaza, in which the court ordered Israel to “take all measures to prevent the commission of all crimes and acts that fall within the scope of Article Two of the Convention including the killing of group members, preventing and punishing direct and public incitement to commit genocide, and enabling the provision of humanitarian assistance."

The head of the committee called on Israel to immediately comply with the court’s decision, and to call on all countries to take the necessary measures to end this war, by reaching an immediate ceasefire, delivering urgent humanitarian aid, resuming peace negotiations, and restoring funding to UNRWA without delay.

He also urged donor countries that suspended their funding to UNRWA to reconsider their decision and provide sufficient funds to ensure that all urgent aid can be provided to everyone, and to every child.