Hundreds of thousands of children and their families in northern Gaza are evacuating in anticipation of larger-scale attacks, following days of intense bombardments and brutal attacks since October 7. With hundreds reportedly killed and thousands injured, UNICEF is urgently calling for an immediate ceasefire.
 
Authorities have advised nearly 1.1 million people, with almost half of them being children, to evacuate the area in anticipation of a widescale military assault in one of the world’s most densely populated regions.
 
“The situation is catastrophic, with unrelenting bombing and a massive increase in the displacement of children and families. There are no safe places,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “An immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access are the top priorities to allow much-needed aid to children and families in Gaza. We need an immediate humanitarian pause to ensure unhindered and safe access to children in need, no matter who they are or where they are. There are rules of war. Children in Gaza need lifesaving support and every minute counts.”
 
Critical infrastructure and homes are in ruins, with over 423,000 people displaced. Shelters are being provided by schools and hospitals, some of which have sustained damage in attacks. Primary hospitals in Gaza, grappling with fuel shortages and an influx of injured civilians, have received evacuation warnings.

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UNICEF echoes the call of the United Nations Secretary-General. This call urges the revocation of the evacuation order for over a million Palestinian civilians in northern Gaza. Additionally, the call emphasizes the need to guarantee the safety and protection of these civilians, particularly children. UNICEF underscores the utmost importance of shielding every child from harm in the region.