UN Warns 14,000 Babies in Gaza Could Die Within 48 Hours Without Urgent Aid
The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, has issued a dire warning: unless aid reaches Gaza urgently, up to 14,000 babies could die within the next 48 hours. Despite Israel ending an 11-week blockade on Monday, Fletcher reports that only five aid trucks have entered Gaza so far—and the aid has not yet reached those in need.
“I want to save as many of these 14,000 babies as we can in the next 48 hours,” Fletcher told BBC’s Today Programme.
Speaking to Anna Foster on Radio 4’s Today Programme, Fletcher emphasized that the situation is critical. He stressed that if aid does not arrive quickly, thousands of infants could die. Asked how the UN calculated that figure, Fletcher explained, “We have strong teams on the ground.” While five trucks did cross into Gaza on Monday, none have yet delivered supplies to affected communities.
Fletcher expressed hope that 100 trucks could be sent into Gaza today, saying, “We need to flood the Gaza Strip with humanitarian aid.” Responding to a joint statement by the UK, France, and Canada urging Israel to shift course, Fletcher referred to it as “robust words,” but emphasized that the real challenge is whether more aid can actually get in.
When asked about the estimate of 14,000 babies at risk, Fletcher reiterated that UN teams—despite suffering casualties—remain active in medical centers, schools, and other locations, assessing needs and doing all they can.
