The Escalating Violence in the Gaza Strip and Israel Threatens Devastating Harm for Children, UNICEF Says

Over the last three days, at least 19 Palestinian children have been reported killed in airstrikes on Gaza and many more injured. The coastal enclave is under closure, making it difficult for civilians to flee. In Israel, rocket attacks from Gaza threaten the lives of Israeli children as well.

Both airstrikes and rocket attacks are putting children at risk, leaving them exposed to physical harm and mental distress; many already experienced violence and destruction during previous escalations.

UNICEF reiterates the UN Secretary-General's call on parties to exercise maximum restraint, and reminds them of their legal and moral obligation to protect children from harm.

# # #

About UNICEFThe United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org. 

For additional information, please contact:

Susannah Masur, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9146, smasur@unicefusa.org