Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Geneva-SANA- UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, renewed her call for an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip for humanitarian reasons in order to provide the best protection for children whose lives and future are in danger.
An escalation of the aggression in Rafah, which is already straining under the extraordinary number of people who have been displaced from other parts of Gaza, will mark another devastating turn in a war that has reportedly killed over 27,000 people – most of them women and children, Russell said in a statement today.
“Thousands more could die in the violence or by lack of essential services, and further disruption of humanitarian assistance. We need Gaza’s last remaining hospitals, shelters, markets and water systems to stay functional. Without them, hunger and disease will skyrocket, taking more child lives.” she added.
“I appeal to all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law. That includes taking the utmost care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure, to meet civilians’ essential needs and facilitate rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access”, the UN official underlined.
Russell went on to say “We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and the safe and immediate release of all hostages – especially children – who have suffered so much.
“A humanitarian ceasefire will save lives. It will allow for the expansion of the humanitarian response, and help provide the best protection for children whose lives and futures are hanging in the balance.” the statement concluded.
