GAZA, Two United Nations agencies today called for an end to violations against children in the Gaza Strip after two nights of Israeli bombardment of the besieged sea enclave.
Matthias Schmale, Director of Operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip, and Lucia Elmi, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine, said in a joint statement that the conflict has a profound and long-lasting impact on children.
The escalation in the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of 28 people, including nine Palestinian children. Four of the children were siblings, and many attended the same UNRWA school. At least 25 children have been confirmed as injured, with many other injured children reported.
“Conflict has a profound and long-lasting impact on children, irrespective of where they live. A child is a child. This has been going on for much too long. All sides must prevent further escalation of violence, protect civilians, and end violations against children wherever they are and at all times,” said the two UN officials.
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency