Statement by Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, on the Ceasefire in Gaza
Peter Power available for interview
Dublin, 15 January 2025 – “UNICEF Ireland welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, a critical and long-awaited step toward ending the violence that has brought immense suffering to children and families.
“While the cessation of hostilities offers a glimmer of hope, the path to recovery and lasting peace will be long and fraught with challenges.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. According to UNICEF and UN partners, nearly 1.9 million people, around 85 per cent of Gaza’s population, have been displaced. Families are sheltering in overcrowded and makeshift facilities, many without reliable access to food, water, or medical care.”
Winter
“As winter approaches, conditions for displaced families are expected to deteriorate further. Many children lack adequate shelter, clothing, and heating to withstand the cold months ahead, compounding their vulnerability and increasing the urgency of humanitarian assistance.
“Essential infrastructure has been severely damaged. 95 per cent of schools have been partially or completely destroyed, depriving hundreds of thousands of children of education and a sense of normalcy.
“More than 80 per cent of health facilities are no longer functional, while damage to water and sanitation networks has left large parts of the population without safe drinking water and at heightened risk of disease outbreaks.”
Crisis
“Children remain at the centre of this crisis. Thousands have been killed or injured, and countless others live with deep psychological trauma. Thousands of children suffering from severe injuries or chronic illnesses require urgent medical evacuation and specialised care beyond Gaza’s borders.
“UNICEF and its partners are scaling up life-saving interventions by tackling acute malnutrition, providing safe water and sanitation support, delivering medical supplies to health facilities, and offering psychosocial assistance to affected children.
“As of mid-2025, UNICEF has reached hundreds of thousands of people with critical water, health, and nutrition services, but needs continue to far exceed available resources.
“We call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.
“The international community must redouble its efforts to deliver sustained humanitarian assistance and to work toward a just and lasting peace that safeguards the rights and futures of every child in Gaza.
“The road to recovery is long, but with sustained global commitment and cooperation, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope to Gaza’s children.”
About UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, everywhere, especially the most disadvantaged children and in the toughest places to reach. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
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Vivienne Parry | +353 87 717 5344 | [email protected]