Only 'sustained ceasefire' in Gaza can 'save lives of children': UNICEF

Humanitarian Aid Challenges in Gaza - A real pause in fighting is crucial for effective aid delivery into and across the Gaza Strip [2] - A one-week pause is insufficient to address severe acute malnutrition in children, who require a six-week course of specialized nutritious supplies [3][4] - Road delivery remains the best way to get aid to people in need, despite the destruction and damage in Gaza [6] - Airdrops are less precise and unsuitable for delivering critical nutrition supplies and vaccines [6][7] Critical Needs and Proposed Solutions - There is a need for commercial trucks to deliver fruit and vegetables to provide a meaningful diet for children, not just starvation rations [8] - The World Health Organization reports over 60 malnutrition-related deaths this month, with one in five children under five in Gaza City acutely malnourished [9] - Chef Jose Andreas calls for opening humanitarian corridors, increasing hot meal production, and increasing aid and cooking facilities to prepare 1 million meals a day [10] - The UN has a 30-day plan to reach 98% of malnourished children with treatment, contingent on a proper pause in fighting and hostage release [11] - Aid must be delivered directly to people where they are, rather than expecting them to travel long distances through militarized zones [12][13]