Khaberni - Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), confirmed that the ongoing war on Gaza for more than 700 days has had devastating effects on the children and described it as "an insult to our shared humanity," noting that Israeli raids are still ongoing on Gaza City and other parts of the territory.
Russell said on Wednesday that reports over the past two years indicate "64,000 children killed and injured" across Gaza, including at least a thousand infants.
She added, "We do not know the number of those who have died from preventable diseases or are still buried under the rubble."
She explained that famine is still hitting Gaza City and extending southward, where children live in harsh conditions, pointing out that the malnutrition crisis, especially among infants, remains "shocking," confirming that months of insufficient food have caused permanent damage to children's growth and development.
Russell emphasized that the need for a ceasefire is "extremely urgent," drawing attention to the fact that since last Saturday morning, at least 11 children have been killed with the continuation of intense Israeli bombing.
The Executive Director of UNICEF welcomed all efforts aimed at ending the war and opening the path to peace in Gaza and the region, affirming that any plan must include a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the provision of safe, fast, and unimpeded corridors for the entry of humanitarian aid through all crossings and roads, sufficient to meet the needs of all residents of Gaza, especially children.
Russell also called on Israel to abide by international humanitarian law and ensure the full protection of the lives of all civilians, stressing that depriving them of humanitarian aid is "completely prohibited."
She stressed that military operations must be guided by the principles of distinction, proportionality, and caution, and that civilians who cannot or choose not to leave areas of combat remain civilians and must always be protected.
Russell concluded her statement with the assertion that "every child killed is an irreplaceable loss," adding: "For all the children of Gaza, this war must end now."
