In a recent report, the United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over the dire conditions faced by children in Gaza, as the death toll from the ongoing conflict approaches 4,000. The Guardian has reported that Israeli bombs have struck a school being used as a shelter and landed near a hospital, intensifying concerns about civilian casualties caused by Israel's campaign.

According to the UN, over 40% of the fatalities in Gaza after almost four weeks of war are children. The organization has documented 3,900 child victims, while an additional 1,250 children are missing and presumed to be buried under the debris of bombed buildings. The lack of sufficient rescue equipment and the overcrowded and resource-depleted hospitals have drastically reduced the chances of survival for those trapped in the rubble.

In a joint statement, agencies supporting children, women, health services, and Palestinian refugees emphasize that women, children, and newborns in Gaza are disproportionately bearing the burden of the month-long conflict in the embattled territory.

The current number of children killed during this nearly month-long battle far surpasses the total recorded by the UN for years of previous conflicts in Gaza. Between 2008 and September 2023, a total of 859 boys and girls were killed due to airstrikes and fighting within Gaza. Shockingly, the average number of deaths each day in the past 29 days of this conflict is 130.

The casualty figures for October and November have been provided by Gaza's health authorities, which are under the control of Hamas. However, the UN has conducted its own investigations into past conflicts and found the figures provided by the authorities in Gaza to be largely accurate.

Of significant concern are the youngest children who were born during the war. Approximately 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza are in jeopardy as 14 hospitals and 45 clinics have been forced to shut down. As a result, some women are being forced to give birth in shelters, homes, and even on the streets amidst the rubble, further endangering their lives and the lives of their infants. The UN warns that 130 premature babies in incubators are also at risk due to the precarious situation with dwindling supplies and worsening sanitation conditions in hospitals.

Grave reports have emerged from aid groups about the desperate situation in Gaza. MedGlobal, an aid organization, has received pleas for help from Kamal Adwan hospital in Beit Lahiya, where critically ill children are struggling due to limited resources, and tragically, some have already lost their lives. The current situation in Gaza is catastrophic, stressed Zaher Sahloul, the president of MedGlobal.

Israel is facing mounting international pressure to address the suffering in Gaza, even from its closest ally, the United States. During his visit to Tel Aviv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for greater protection of civilians while rejecting calls for an immediate ceasefire.

In an effort to ease the humanitarian crisis, officials from Egypt and Qatar have proposed daily humanitarian pauses lasting between six to twelve hours. This would allow aid to reach affected areas and facilitate the evacuation of casualties. Additionally, they have requested that Israel release female and elderly prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. However, the feasibility of these proposals remains uncertain as Israel appears hesitant to accept such conditions.

Regional leaders, including Jordan's foreign minister Ayman Safadi, are urging for an end to the conflict, cautioning that the continuation of the war risks further fueling hatred and increasing dehumanization in the region. Israel, the United States, and other allies argue that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to regroup and potentially launch further attacks.

Israel's defense minister, Yoav Gallant, has labeled the ongoing battles inside the Gaza Strip as fierce and emphasized the aim of "crushing" Hamas. He declared that by the end of the war, Hamas would have no presence in Gaza.

Israel has faced criticism for targeting civilian infrastructure, including a refugee camp and medical facilities, which are protected under international humanitarian law. Israeli politicians and military commanders have justified these strikes by claiming that they concealed Hamas fighting positions.

The recent strikes at a UN school, which was serving as a shelter, and near a hospital have further heightened concerns about civilian casualties. Although initial reports indicated a death toll of 20, the figures have yet to be verified by news agencies.

In an attempt to ensure the safety of civilians, Israeli forces have established a "humanitarian route" for three hours on a major road heading south. They continue to urge civilians to move towards the south for their own safety.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the UN warning of a catastrophic scenario for children. With the death toll nearing 4,000 and children accounting for a substantial proportion of the casualties, urgent action is needed to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.