The head of the United Nations agency assisting Palestinian refugees today voiced his deep sadness at the news of the tragic deaths of children and a number of adults in a road traffic accident in the West Bank.

At least eight Palestinian children have been reported killed in the collision that took place between a school bus and an Israeli truck near Qalandia. A large number of people, including children, were also injured.

The bus was reportedly carrying children as young as five or six on their way to Ramallah.

“There is nothing more appalling to us and our communities than the needless deaths and suffering of innocent children,” Filippo Grandi, Commissioner General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said in a statement.

“My condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims at this terrible time.”