In the last 24 hours, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have caused the death of 704 Palestinians - including 35 minors. This is the budget provided by the local health ministry reported by the UN Coordination Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). According to the same source, this is the highest number of deaths in one day since the start of hostilities.
Meanwhile, Unicef underlines the data on the youngest victims: «In the last 18 days, a devastating toll has been recorded in the Gaza Strip for its children, with reports of 2,360 dead and 5,364 injured due to the incessant attacks, that is, According to reports, more than 400 children are killed or injured every day. Furthermore, more than 30 Israeli children have lost their lives and dozens remain hostage in the Gaza Strip. This 18-day period represents the deadliest escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel that the UN has witnessed since 2006."
“The killing and maiming of children, the abduction of children, attacks on hospitals and schools and the denial of humanitarian access constitute grave violations of children's rights,” said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. The UN agency «launches an urgent appeal to all parties to accept a ceasefire, allow humanitarian access and release all hostages. Even wars have rules. Civilians must be protected - especially children - and everything possible must be done to spare them in all circumstances." The situation in the Gaza Strip «is a growing stain on our collective conscience. The rate of deaths and injuries among children is simply staggering,” Khodr said. “Even more frightening is the fact that unless tensions are eased and humanitarian aid, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel, is not authorized, the daily death toll will continue to rise.”
Last night eight trucks with water, food and medicine entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt.
(Unioneonline/ss)
