Amman, Aug. 21 (Petra) — Jonathan Fowler, Senior Communications Manager at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warned on Thursday that the prolonged Israeli blockade on Gaza has severely compromised the well-being of Palestinians, with life expectancy now in decline.

According to the UN agency’s official website, Fowler’s remarks came in response to the catastrophic conditions in Gaza under the genocidal war and systematic starvation imposed by Israel. He said the blockade has led to widespread malnutrition, particularly among children, and described the situation as a deepening humanitarian emergency.

The deaths of over 100 children from malnutrition and the suffering of 13,000 under the age of five are tragic but unsurprising, Fowler stated. He said Gaza now records the highest rate of child amputations globally, with 4,000 amputees, 17,000 orphans, and one million children denied access to education. More than 18,000 children have been killed and 20,000 injured.

He emphasized that these figures reflect the scale of the crisis, with children as its most visible victims. Despite ongoing UN efforts to secure large-scale humanitarian access, Fowler said progress remains limited.

//Petra// NQ
21/08/2025 14:10:25