Palestinians seek shelter at a UNRWA run school (July 13, 2014). © UNICEF/NYHQ2014-0912/El Baba

Gaza School Attack: UNICEF Statement

A UNRWA school serving as a shelter for children and their families was attacked yesterday.

Statement by Maria Calivis, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa AMMAN, 25 July 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.”