The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has reported a tragic toll on children in Gaza, with an average of 10 children per day losing one or both of their legs due to the ongoing conflict. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini shared these harrowing figures during a press briefing in Geneva, noting that the statistics, provided by UNICEF, do not account for children who have lost hands or arms.

In addition to the many children killed or injured, over 21,000 are estimated to be missing in Gaza, according to Save the Children. These children are believed to be trapped under rubble, detained, buried in unmarked graves, or separated from their families, adding to the severe psychological trauma they endure.

Lazzarini emphasized the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He highlighted that aid flow has been severely disrupted, with few open crossings and frequent looting of aid trucks. "We are confronted with a near total breakdown of law and order," he said, noting that truck drivers are regularly threatened, which discourages them from transporting aid.

UNRWA facilities have been targeted repeatedly, with 190 premises affected, depriving many Palestinians of the last remnants of safety and shelter. Due to severe shortages, thousands of families are resorting to using seawater, while children wait in long queues for small amounts of clean water as summer heat intensifies.

The health crisis is also dire, with the Gaza Ministry of Health warning of acute shortages in medicine and medical supplies. These shortages are impacting critical services, including dialysis, anesthesia, intensive care, and surgical operations. The closure of the Rafah border crossing by Israel since May 7 has exacerbated the situation, preventing patients from seeking medical treatment abroad and blocking the entry of much-needed aid and supplies.