Paul, a recurring visitor to the show, said the charitable organisation was more concerned than ever given the situation currently unfolding in Gaza, amid reports of children suffering on both sides of the border. For UNICEF, however, no matter how conflicting an issue may appear, their goal is always straightforward: they stand for children whoever and wherever they are.
Sam remarked on the “escalating list of tragedy” on a global scale since Today Radio’s launch in 2022, asking Paul about the impact of the escalating hostilities over the past week. Beyond the immediate disaster, Paul said the potential for long-term difficulties with children’s mental and physical health were of particular concern.
On the ground, the charity’s urgent focus is on getting water and other supplies to the children, although the mission is fraught with difficulties: although a few trucks have entered Gaza through Egypt, progress is slow and charity workers have very little access, with many in Gaza stuck in bunkers and unable to administer aid where it is needed. In addition, it is virtually impossible to help vulnerable members of the population to evacuate the area, with very few border crossings open.
The number of young casualties on either side is also extremely worrying, Paul said, arguing that children should never have to be in these situations, and should never face that amount of violence. Half of the population in Gaza are aged under 18, and although precise figures are difficult to obtain, the number of children killed in Israel and Palestine is extremely concerning for the charity.
There is an urgent need for humanitarian aid to safely flow into the country, Paul said, despite this unprecedented situation.
UNICEF is an apolitical organisation and only seeks to support the children affected by such conflicts. Money and funding can help workers on the ground to administer aid and provide life-saving supplies, including water and food. As such, donations are encouraged, as are fundraising opportunities such as bake sales, or simply purchasing UNICEF merchandise from their website.
Find UNICEF Luxembourg on Facebook and Instagram, as well as more information on how to support or donate to their cause here.
Listen to the full interview here or catch up with other episodes of the Sam Steen Show on RTL Play:
Pul Heber from UNICEF Luxembourg joins the Sam Steen Show to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
