Press Release

Statement by Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, on Attack on School in Gaza

Yesterday’s attack on Beit Hanoun Elementary Co-Ed A and D School—the third school hit this week—is proof that much more needs to be done to protect innocent children.

NEW YORK (July 25, 2014) –  “Yesterday’s attack on Beit Hanoun Elementary Co-Ed A and D School—the third school hit this week—is proof that much more needs to be done to protect innocent children.

“Using or attacking school premises where children have taken refuge from the violence is unacceptable under any circumstances.

“UNICEF calls on parties to the conflict to respect the sanctity of children and schools.

“At least 192 children have been killed in Gaza in 18 days. As the death toll and devastation mount with each passing hour, UNICEF echoes the Secretary-General’s call for an immediate end to the violence.” 

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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