The United Nations has raised serious concerns over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive to take control of 70 percent of Gaza territory.This move comes despite a fragile ceasefire that began in October.According to the report, Israel already controls 60 percent of the area and now aims for more land.

Unicef spokesman Salim Oweis highlighted the worsening conditions for children who are facing severe overcrowding, lack of food, clean water, and proper hygiene.People in Gaza are squeezed into just 40 percent of the available space, living among rubble and waste with no proper areas to manage sanitation.

This has led to widespread health issues including respiratory infections, diarrhoea, skin diseases, fleas, lice, and even rat bites affecting young children and babies.Families are sheltering in damaged buildings where sewage leaks and rodents are common.The UN agency noted that increasing numbers of children need hospital care but there is not even one fully functioning hospital left in Gaza.Further Israeli control could cut access to aid and services, making the situation even more dire.The Palestinian foreign ministry called this a clear violation of the ceasefire.Since the announcement, violence has continued with over 900 more deaths reported in Gaza.The overall death toll since 2023 has crossed 72,800 according to local health authorities.

This ongoing conflict, which started after the October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,221 people on the Israeli side, continues to create immense humanitarian challenges especially for vulnerable children.