Horror in the Gaza Strip: Children suffer from catastrophic conditions

Horror in the Gaza Strip: Children suffer from catastrophic conditions

Around Christmas 2024, the urgent emergency of millions of children in crisis regions worldwide becomes particularly clear. While the festive time is a time of joy for many, countless children fight for survival. Christopher Friedrich, a wash expert from the Austrian Red Cross, reports from the Gaza Strip of the devastating situation: "The children sleep outdoors on wet soil and in the dirt," he explains, while documenting the catastrophic hygienic conditions. Many children also suffer from respiratory diseases because clean drinking water is in short supply - only half a liter per person per day is available. The Red Cross has already made more than 5,000 latrines available and is trying to offer people medical help and clean water. "We give people back a minimum level of dignity," said Friedrich.

global helpfulness despite conflicts

The Red Cross is to ensure basic care in many crisis regions and does not appeal to the international community. "We have been supporting the Syrian population since 2011 and have improved quality of life by reconstruction of the water infrastructure after the earthquake in February," emphasizes Delegation Manager Simona Mencinger. In Ukraine, where the war is before the third anniversary, the Red Cross is one of the few organizations that can help people. Despite the freezing temperatures and massive power failures, help is provided: "4,500 people recently received relief goods," said division manager Walter Hajek.

The Geneva Agreements, which were adopted 75 years ago, remain an important basis for the protection of civilians in war zones. The International Committee of the Red Cross (IKRK) recalls that compliance with humanitarian international law is essential to protect the suffering life of people. "We can only help people in need if we are protected and have secure access," says President Schöpfer. The urgent appeals of the aid organizations bite for support and donations to ensure the survival of the affected families in the conflict-loaded regions, so Zeitung and the ikrk .