14,000 children might die in Gaza within 48 hours if more aid is not delivered urgently; UN issues warning

NEW YORK: The United Nations (UN) has issued a grave warning that 14,000 children could die in Gaza within 48 hours if more aid is not delivered urgently. Following an 11-week-long food blockade, Israel has allowed only limited aid into Gaza—this too came after mounting pressure from allies including the U.S., Canada, France, and the U.K.

UN humanitarian aid chief Tom Fletcher stated that only five trucks carrying essential supplies, including food, were able to enter Gaza on Monday. The UN is currently trying to deliver an additional 100 trucks loaded with food and nutrition for children. "This aid is like a drop in the ocean," Fletcher said, stressing that if essential supplies are not delivered immediately, children will start dying. Due to severe malnutrition, mothers are unable to breastfeed, and efforts are ongoing to deliver baby food, he added.

Countries such as the U.K., France, and Canada have condemned Israel’s actions, especially the denial of humanitarian aid. In a joint statement, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to forcibly displace Palestinians. They warned of joint action if restrictions were not lifted. The UN’s alert followed this statement.

Since March 2, no food, water, or other essential supplies have reached Gaza due to the Israeli blockade. Gaza is home to more than 20 lakh people.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that the war will continue until full control over Gaza is achieved. “The battle is intense. We will take control of the Gaza Strip. We must win, and we will act in an unstoppable manner,” Netanyahu said via his X account. He clarified that the full control of Gaza is Israel’s goal. Netanyahu also admitted that the slight relaxation of the blockade came as a result of intense international pressure, including from allies. At the same time, Israel claimed to have bombed 160 Hamas targets.