‘What hope is there for these children – and their societies – if adults no longer live up to their responsibilities to protect them?’ Anthony Lake, Executive Director UNICEF Crisis in Gaza

23 Days This photo essay is a snapshot into the crisis in Gaza and references statistics and information at the 23 day mark into the conflict. Gaza

As Gaza continues to be bombarded innocent people including children are losing their lives at an alarming rate.

23 days into the conflict 245 children have been killed. More than 10 children have been killed per day. Thousands have been injured. Children

Destruction In a country where access to safe drinking water was already one of the lowest in the world, after 23 days of bombardment more than half the water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed. Around 1,200,000 people have no access to safe drinking water.

Destruction No Electricity – Gaza’s only power plant has been bombed and is no longer operating. Sewerage – Sewer pumps are out of action and raw sewerage is flowing through the streets. Hospital – Hospitals are at breaking point, desperately short of medicines and relying on generators for power.

Displaced A quarter of the population in Gaza are displaced. ⁻245,000 people are sheltering in UN-run public schools and shelters. ⁻200,000 are sheltering with relatives.

UNICEF is distributing family hygiene kits and jerry cans to store water to families sheltering in public schools in Gaza. We are working with the World Food Programme to distribute food and water vouchers. Families need Help

Children need Help Five UNICEF supported emergency psychosocial teams are reaching out to help 200,000 children in desperate need of psychosocial support. These children have been injured and or have lost loved ones. They are in desperate need of immediate coping skills. Many children are experiencing their third violent conflict in six years. Without help the emotional and psychological scars will be long lasting.

“For the sake of children, all sides to this conflict must come to their senses, permit humanitarian workers to aid those in need, and agree to end these attacks. Now, before more innocent lives are lost – including the most innocent of all, the very young.” Anthony Lake, Executive Director UNICEF

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The statistics and information in this photo essay are based on 23 days of conflict between Israel and Palestine, 30 July The conflict is so intense and brutal the statistics are changing by the hour. UNICEF is strictly apolitical, we urge all parties to meet their legal and moral obligations to protect civilians including children from harm. More information on UNICEF, Author: Jacqui Southey, UNICEF New Zealand