UNICEF statement on Gaza strip violence as nine children killed, many injured
Violations against children must end, say UNICEF, as nine children killed in latest Gaza Strip escalation
Statement from Matthias Schmale, Director of UNRWA Operations in the Gaza Strip and Lucia Elmi, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine
EAST JERUSALEM/GAZA STRIP, 11 May 2021 – “Escalation in the Gaza Strip last night, following weeks of violence in Jerusalem, resulted in at least 20 people killed, including nine Palestinian children confirmed. 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. The United Nations is currently verifying these reports. In southern Israel, at least one child in the city of Ashkelon was confirmed as injured. At least three schools have been reported as damaged, one in Israel and two in the Gaza Strip.
“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.”
###
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).
For more information visit unicef.org.uk. Follow UNICEF UK on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
For more information please contact:
[email protected] / + 44 (0)207 375 6030