UN urges protection of children amid escalating Israeli-Palestinian unrest
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has voiced its deep concern about the impact on children of the escalating violence in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, and called on all parties to protect the well-being of young people.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has voiced its deep concern about the impact on children of the escalating violence in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, and called on all parties to protect the well-being of young people.
“In the past weeks, we have witnessed a series of incidents in which Palestinian and Israeli children have lost their lives, sometimes in the most horrifying manner,” said Jean Gough, UNICEF Special Representative to the occupied Palestinian territory.
“Many children have also been injured and have witnessed the deaths and injuries of close relatives. We call upon all parties to do everything in their power to protect children and put an end to violence.”
According to UNICEF, eight Palestinian children have died since the beginning of this year as a result of the violence, including three who were killed in the Gaza Strip two days ago. More than 60 children have been injured.
On Wednesday, several Israeli children were injured by an explosive device planted near a bus stop in Jerusalem, while three Israeli children were killed in the West Bank earlier this month, including a three-month-old baby.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other UN officials have voiced their concern in recent days over the escalation of violence in Gaza and southern Israel, calling for an immediate cessation of violence and efforts to resume the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.