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Rabat – UNICEF’s executive director Chatherine Russel has renewed appeals for an immediate ceasefire amid the continuing Israeli violence targeting civilians in Gaza, including children.
Russel made her appeal before the UN Security Council on Monday, where she said that more than 420 children are being killed or injured in the besieged strip on a daily basis.
She explained that the number “should shake each of us to our core.”
Russel also recalled the death toll of the Israeli attacks on Gaza as of Monday, stressing that more than 8,3000 Palestinians have been killed – including at least 3,400 children.
Of the over 21,000 injured, the number includes 6,300 children affected by the Israeli massacres.
“Of course, the violence being perpetrated against children extends beyond the Gaza Strip,” she said, reiterating the long-sought appeals for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire.
“I implore the Security Council to immediately adopt a resolution that reminds parties of their obligations under international law, calls for a ceasefire, demands that parties allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, demands the immediate and safe release of all abducted children, and urges parties to afford children the special protection to which they are entitled,” she added.
She also expressed frustration over the Israeli attacks targeting health facilities amid an already fragile health system due to lack of necessary resources, and the Israeli blockade against humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.
“34 attacks have been reported against healthcare facilities, including 21 hospitals. Twelve of Gaza’s 35 hospitals – which are also being used as shelters for displaced people – can no longer function,” she said.
At the time of writing, live updates from Al Jazeera said that fierce battles have raged in northern Gaza, with the Red Crescent reporting that Israeli occupation forces have been targeting sites near the Al-Quds hospital.
