New York: UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell voiced deep concerns over a deadly weekend of attacks in North Gaza. In a statement, she revealed that over 50 children were killed in just 48 hours in the Jabalia area. Strikes destroyed two residential buildings, which had sheltered hundreds.
UNICEF Staff Vehicle Attacked
Russell reported that a UNICEF staff member’s vehicle came under fire in Jabalia – Elnazla. The UNICEF worker was driving through the area on a polio vaccination campaign. The vehicle sustained damage from what appeared to be a quadcopter attack. Thankfully, the staff member was unharmed but left deeply shaken by the incident.
Children Injured Near Vaccination Clinic
Additional attacks targeted areas near a vaccination clinic in Sheikh Radwan. At least three children sustained injuries while the polio vaccination campaign was ongoing. UNICEF highlighted the risks facing civilians, including children, and raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in the conflict zones.
Escalating Child Deaths in Gaza
Russell condemned these strikes, calling them grave violations against civilians. “The attacks on Jabalia, the vaccination clinic, and the UNICEF staff member highlight the grave consequences of indiscriminate strikes on Gaza’s civilians,” she stated. She added that the rising toll of child deaths in North Gaza underscores the harsh realities civilians face daily.
International Law Violations
UNICEF stressed the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian structures. Russell reiterated that international humanitarian law requires all parties to differentiate between military and civilian targets. Displacement orders do not permit targeting civilians or their structures, she added.
Call for an Investigation and Accountability
Russell called on Israel to launch an immediate investigation into the attack on the UNICEF staff member. She demanded accountability for those responsible. Russell also urged UN member states to use their influence to enforce international law and to prioritize children’s safety.
An Urgent Plea to End the War
Russell described the current conditions in Gaza as dire for children, who face threats of disease, hunger, and continued bombings. “It’s beyond time to end this war,” she urged, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and protection of Gaza’s most vulnerable, especially children.
UNICEF’s Stand for Gaza’s Children
In her statement, Russell appealed for an end to hostilities and for all parties to respect humanitarian principles. She emphasized that protecting children is a fundamental obligation and called on the international community to support measures to end the violence. UNICEF remains committed to aiding Gaza’s children, but Russell stressed that safety must first be ensured for humanitarian efforts to succeed.
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