Statement by UNICEF Ireland Executive Director on Ceasefire in Gaza
Peter Power is available for interview
DUBLIN, 15 January 2025 – UNICEF Ireland welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, marking a critical step toward ending the devastating cycle of violence that has wrought unimaginable suffering for children and families.
While the cessation of hostilities offers a glimmer of hope, it is clear that the path to recovery and sustainable peace is long and fraught with immense challenges.
The humanitarian needs in Gaza are staggering and require immediate action. Over 1.9 million people are displaced, with families struggling in makeshift shelters.
Critical infrastructure, including health, water, and sanitation systems, has been decimated, leaving communities grappling with disease outbreaks and malnutrition, with nowhere to turn for help.
A staggering 94.7% of schools have sustained damage, depriving children of education and a sense of normalcy. Access to clean water remains severely restricted, with nearly 1.4 million people lacking adequate drinking water, and hygiene conditions continue to deteriorate due to the collapse of waste management systems.
Deadly conflict
Children remain at the heart of this crisis. Reports indicate that up to 14,000 children have been killed since the onset of hostilities, and countless others injured or traumatised.
Thousands of children with severe injuries or chronic illnesses require immediate medical evacuation and care beyond Gaza’s borders—a process that must accelerate urgently.
UNICEF and our partners are steadfast in our commitment to scaling up life-saving interventions. This includes providing safe drinking water to over 1.8 million people, equipping health facilities with critical supplies, addressing acute malnutrition among children, and offering psychosocial support to those affected by trauma.
International support
Despite these efforts, the enormity of the needs far exceeds current capacities. Increased and sustained international support is necessary to address this humanitarian catastrophe.
We urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, prioritising the protection of children and ensuring the rapid, safe and consistent access for humanitarian aid.
This is a protection crisis of unprecedented scale. Addressing it demands not only immediate relief but also a concerted global effort to rebuild essential infrastructure, support recovery, and foster lasting peace.
Governments, donors, and individuals worldwide have a critical role to play in making this vision a reality.
Children in Gaza deserve a future free from violence and despair. This ceasefire must serve as a rallying point for a renewed commitment to deliver safety, dignity, and hope for every child.
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
For more information about UNICEF and its work, please visit: unicef.ie
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For more information, please contact:
Vivienne Parry | UNICEF Ireland | +353 87 717 5344 | vivienne@unicef.ie
