GENEVA, 13 October 2023 – “Hundreds & hundreds of children have been killed and injured. Every hour in Gaza the number of children killed rises. The killing of children must stop.
“The images and stories are clear: children with horrendous burns, mortar wounds, and lost limbs. And hospitals are utterly overwhelmed to treat them. Yet the numbers keep rising.
“Israeli children being held hostage in Gaza must be safely and immediately reunited with their families and loved ones.
“The humanitarian situation has reached lethal lows, and yet all reports point to further attacks. Compassion – and international law – must prevail.
“UNICEF is calling for an immediate cease fire as 1.1 million people – nearly half of them children – have been warned to move out of the way ahead of a what is expected to be a ground assault on one of the most densely populated places on the planet, but with nowhere safe for civilians to go.
“Children and families in Gaza have practically run out of food, water, electricity, medicine and safe access to hospitals, following days of air strikes and cuts to all supply routes.
“Gaza’s sole power plant ran out of fuel Wednesday afternoon, shutting down electricity, water and wastewater treatment. Most residents can no long get drinking water from service providers or household water through pipelines,
“At least six water wells, three water pumping stations, one water reservoir, and one desalination plant serving more than 1million people have been damaged by airstrikes.
“Humanitarians must be able to safely access children and their families with lifesaving services and supplies – wherever they may be.
“In every war, the ones who suffer the most are children. This is tragically true today.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For more information, please contact:
Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.
The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.
United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).
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