**DaysofPal-** In a devastating escalation of violence, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has confirmed that more than 170 children were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip early Tuesday morning.
The Israeli strikes, which began at dawn on March 19, have left over 400 people dead, including more than 80 women, amid what humanitarian officials describe as a rapidly deteriorating situation.
According to OCHA’s statement released Wednesday, rescue teams are struggling to reach many affected areas due to a severe lack of equipment and fuel.
The limited resources available are further hampering efforts to provide urgent medical care and assistance to survivors. Currently, only four field hospitals remain fully operational, while 22 others are partially functioning and 13 have been completely shut down due to extensive damage or a critical shortage of medical staff.
Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Hospital, described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” with an overwhelming influx of casualties overwhelming already strained facilities. “We are facing an unimaginable crisis,” he said.
“The loss of life is staggering, and we are barely able to cope with the sheer scale of injuries.” He added.
#### Humanitarian Aid Under Threat
Compounding the tragedy, OCHA has issued a dire warning about the growing risk of famine across the Gaza Strip.
Food shortages are reaching alarming levels, with over one million people now at risk of severe hunger if humanitarian aid deliveries are not immediately resumed. Existing food stocks are rapidly dwindling, forcing UN partners to drastically cut back on essential supplies.
Flour and fresh food distributions have been suspended, and public kitchens have scaled back their operations, reducing hot meals for displaced families.
“If this situation persists, many public kitchens will be forced to close within two weeks,” OCHA warned. This grim scenario underscores the fragility of the region’s humanitarian infrastructure, which is teetering on the brink of collapse under relentless military pressure and resource scarcity.
#### Calls for Urgent Action
Humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow aid workers safe access to affected communities and prevent further loss of life.
With health facilities overwhelmed and basic necessities like food and water becoming increasingly scarce, there are fears that the death toll could rise even higher in the coming days.
The international community has yet to respond decisively to the escalating crisis, but advocacy groups are urging world leaders to intervene swiftly to protect innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. “This is not just a conflict—it’s a humanitarian catastrophe,” said one senior OCHA official.
“Every hour counts in preventing further suffering.” He noted. As the world watches, the people of Gaza endure unimaginable hardship, clinging to hope amidst despair.
For the families who have lost loved ones—especially the youngest victims—the scars of this tragedy will linger long after the bombs fall silent.
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