By Staff Reporter
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a devastating new low with reports indicating one of the deadliest single-day tolls for children in the ongoing conflict.
According to UNICEF, more than 130 children were killed in a series of airstrikes that struck makeshift shelters where families were sleeping.
In a statement, UNICEF executive director Ms Catherine Russell described the situation as being beyond horrifying.
“Some of the strikes reportedly hit makeshift shelters with sleeping children and families, another deadly reminder that nowhere is safe in Gaza,” she said.
The attacks come amid an ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid.
Ms Russell said it has been sixteen days since the last humanitarian truck entered Gaza, leaving civilians without adequate food, water and medical supplies.
The crisis has been exacerbated by a cut in electricity to the main desalination plant, significantly reducing access to clean drinking water for over a million residents.
“Today, Gaza’s one million children – who have endured more than 15 months of war – have been plunged back into a world of fear and death,” Ms Russell said.
The escalation has drawn renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased pressure on world leaders to intervene.
Ms Russell urged all parties to restore the ceasefire and for nations with diplomatic influence to act before the situation deteriorates further.
“The attacks and the violence must stop now,” she said. “International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, allowing the immediate provision of humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians and the release of all hostages.”
As global outcry intensifies, humanitarian organisations have continued to demand urgent action to prevent further loss of innocent lives in one of the worst humanitarian crises of recent history.
