UNITED NATIONS, December 23. /TASS/. At least 10,000 children under five years in Gaza will suffer the most life-threatening form of malnutrition in the coming weeks, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement.

"UNICEF estimates that in the coming weeks, at least 10,000 children under five years will suffer the most life-threatening form of malnutrition," the statement reads.

"This unacceptable risk comes at a time when the Gaza Strip’s food and health systems are facing complete collapse. More than 80% of young children are experiencing severe food poverty, and more than two-thirds of hospitals are no longer functioning because of the lack of fuel, water, and vital medical supplies or because they sustained catastrophic damage in attacks," UNICEF pointed out.

"We need all parties to immediately and fully respect international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction and proportionality, and to take all necessary precautions to protect the civilian population, to release all hostages, and to meet their obligations to ensure children are protected and assisted," the statement says.

UNICEF reported in late October that over 400 children were reported killed or injured in the Gaza Strip every day. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a child is killed every ten minutes in Gaza.