During a session with the United Nations Security Council, the head of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) conveyed the dire situation in Gaza, revealing a grim acronym coined by medical teams: WCNSF – wounded child, no surviving family.
Christopher Lockyear, MSF International Secretary General, described the profound psychological trauma afflicting surviving children, who not only suffer visible physical injuries but also endure the agony of repeated displacement and the horrors of witnessing family members killed before their eyes.
Lockyear criticized the United States for repeatedly vetoing resolutions demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, condemning anything less as gross negligence.
The U.S. has vetoed three U.N. Security Council resolutions since the conflict began on Oct. 7, with the latest veto blocking a demand for an immediate ceasefire tied to hostage releases by Hamas. China’s U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun expressed dismay at Lockyear’s briefing, urging council members to consider the harrowing reality faced by Gazans.
While the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, emphasized efforts to pressure Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and cautioned against a ground offensive, British Ambassador Barbara Woodward described Lockyear’s briefing as distressing, noting Britain’s abstention in Tuesday’s vote.
Slovenia’s U.N. Ambassador Samuel Zbogar questioned the council’s response to Lockyear’s emotional plea, underscoring the profound impact of the conflict on civilian lives.
The conflict, initiated by Hamas attacking Israel and resulting in casualties and hostage-taking, has led to a devastating military response by Israel. Lockyear concluded by highlighting the bravery of MSF staff risking their lives for their patients, urging council members to consider their own willingness to act.
