The children of Gaza are still subject to violence

"Although this could be 100 days since the conflict ended, the children of Gaza continue to suffer, both physically and psychologically," said Patricia McPhillips, special representative of UNICEF in the occupied Palestinian territories.

"It is essential that the supplies and materials necessary for the restoration and rehabilitation should be allowed to enter. "

10% of the population of Gaza are still without electricity and 9% with limited access to drinking water. The main medical centers of UNRWA, in the south, show a significant upsurge of infectious diseases related to sanitation issues, including acute bloody diarrhea, compared to the situation last year at the same time. For many households, food, fuel and money missing. According to the latest figures, 65 basic drugs are out of stock at the central warehouse in Gaza.

Five children have died since the end of the conflict 22 days, because of munitions that had not exploded, and at least 14 were injured due to violence.

The fighting has made a lot of damage especially in the psychological balance of children. A recent United Nations study reaffirms that mental health, anxiety and stress are the main health problems in Gaza.

Acting with partners, UNICEF is increasing its support to children and youth, warning against the danger of landmines, support remedial education and organizing vaccination campaigns.

To improve maternal health, post-natal and infant mortality, UNICEF is also focusing on developing the skills of caregivers - especially as regards the treatment of acute malnutrition, breastfeeding, and early disease of childhood.

However, lack of access to the Gaza Strip continues to hamper all efforts to rectify the situation.

The Gaza Strip is under blockade for 22 months. In March, a daily average of 132 trucks entered Gaza, against 475 in May 2007, a month before coming to power of Hamas.

Since the cessation of hostilities [18 January 2009]:
homes, schools and health centers damaged or destroyed have been rebuilt or retyped because of Israeli restrictions against the importation of cement;
lack of equipment continues to repair water systems and sanitation facilities damaged;
school supplies from UNICEF, including teacher training and kits for child development, as well as recreational equipment including musical instruments, are still not allowed to enter Gaza.

Children are also affected by internal tensions to the Palestinians. Of particular concern is the conflict which has existed since March 22 and that affects the patients sent for urgent treatment and which are not available in Gaza.

According to the World Health Organization, at least three patients died due to wait to get out of Gaza for medical treatment. UNICEF welcomes the information Monday on the new provisions on the ground to resolve the crisis.

In addition, incidents have been reported involving children trained or used by Palestinian militant groups. Children should not be used for political or military objectives.

"Children are the innocent victims of this conflict," said McPhillips. "All parties to the conflict must come first the interests of children. "

The military operation of Israel, from 27 December to 18 January, killing or wounding a 225 Gazans. Some 431 children were killed and 1 872 injured, one third of all victims. 13 Israelis were killed, including 3 civilians.