United Nations International Children Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the grave rights violations, adding that nothing justifies the killing, maiming or abducting of children in the fight between the Israeli forces and Palestinian militants group.
In a statement released by the UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell on the devastating situation in Israel and state of Palestinia, calling for the immediate and safe release of any children being held hostage in Gaza to reunite with their families.
According to her, “Yet less than 72 hours after the outbreak of horrific violence in Israel, reports indicate that grave rights violations against children are rampant. Many children have been killed or injured, while countless others have been exposed to the violence.
“UNICEF calls on armed groups, or those responsible, for the immediate and safe release of any children being held hostage in Gaza so that they can be reunited with their families or caregivers.
“And we call on all parties to protect children from harm, in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is imperative that all parties refrain from further violence and attacks on civilian infrastructure”, She said.
UNICEF Boss expressed deep concerned about measures to block electricity and prevent food, fuel and water from entering Gaza, which may put the lives of children at risk.
“With the humanitarian situation rapidly deteriorating, humanitarian actors must be able to safely access children and their families with lifesaving services and supplies – wherever they may be. I remind all parties that in this war, as in all wars, it is children who suffer first and suffer most”, she said.
Israel has declared war on the Palestinian militant group Hamas after it carried out an unprecedented attack by air, sea and land on Saturday.
The large-scale surprise assault has left at least 900 dead in Israel, prompting a lethal volley of retaliatory Israeli airstrikes on Gaza that killed at least 687 people.
As they retreated into Gaza, the militants claimed to have taken at least 100 hostages with them and have threatened to kill them if airstrikes target Gaza without warning. Israel has pledged that Hamas will pay a heavy price.
