Violations against children must end: Nine children killed in latest
Gaza Strip escalation, many injured

UNICEF, 11 May 2021

Statement by Matthias Schmale, Director of UNRWA Operations in the Gaza Strip and Lucia Elmi, UNICEF Special Representative in the State of Palestine.

“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.” 

Media contacts

Damian Rance
UNICEF State of Palestine
Tel: +972 (0) 54 778 7604
Email: drance@unicef.org

Juliette Touma
UNICEF Amman
Tel: +962 79 867 4628
Email: jtouma@unicef.org

Original article here.