UNICEF has issued a stark warning about the severe impact of halted humanitarian aid deliveries on children in Gaza, who are already enduring extreme hardship.

In a press release issued on Monday, the agency stressed that without immediate aid, the situation will rapidly deteriorate in the enclave, putting thousands of young lives at risk.

“The aid restrictions will severely compromise lifesaving operations for children,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “It is imperative that the ceasefire remains in place and that aid is allowed to flow freely.”

Between January 19 and February 28, UNICEF delivered nearly 1,000 trucks of essential supplies, including clean water, medical aid, vaccines, and therapeutic food. Yet, despite these efforts, the crisis remains dire. In the past week alone, seven newborns reportedly died from hypothermia due to a lack of warm clothing, shelter, and medical care.

Children in Gaza face severe shortages of food, medicine, and safe shelter. With only 19 of 35 hospitals partially functioning, medical care is critically limited. UNICEF said it has been working to provide warm clothing to 150,000 children, treat over 2,600 cases of acute malnutrition, and expand vaccination campaigns to prevent deadly diseases.

“The level of devastation is beyond catastrophic,” Beigbeder said. “The ceasefire must hold, and more aid must be allowed in to prevent further suffering and loss of life.”

UNICEF called on all parties to uphold international law, ensure unimpeded aid access, and reach a permanent ceasefire to protect Gaza’s children from further harm.