UNICEF: Killing Families Trying to Reach Life-Saving Aid in Gaza is Inhumane
UNICEF: Killing Families Trying to Reach Life-Saving Aid in Gaza is Inhumane
UNICEF has stated, "Killing families trying to reach life-saving aid (in Gaza) is inhumane."
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported that 15 people, including children and women, were killed this morning by Israel while waiting to receive food aid in Gaza, and stated, “Killing families trying to reach life-saving aid is inhumane.”
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell issued a written statement regarding the attack.
Russell noted that this morning, 15 people — including 9 children and 4 women — were killed by Israel while waiting to receive food aid provided by UNICEF’s partner organization “Project Hope” in Gaza, and added that 30 others were injured.
Russell emphasized, “Killing families trying to reach life-saving aid is inhumane.”
She stated that this attack reflects the harsh reality many people in Gaza are facing today as a result of the months-long obstruction of sufficient aid deliveries to the region and the failure to fulfill the obligation to protect civilians. She continued:
“The lack of aid is causing children to face hunger, and the risk of famine increases with each passing day. Unless life-saving aid and services are fully restored, the number of malnourished children will continue to rise. International law is clear: All parties to the conflict are obligated to protect civilians and ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.”
Russell called on Israel to urgently review its rules of engagement to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law, which prioritizes the protection of civilians and children, and to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into this incident.
Stressing that all allegations of violations must be rigorously investigated, Russell once again called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and for all parties to protect civilians, children, and humanitarian aid workers.
Russell stated, “Food, water, nutrition, and medical supplies must reach children safely and without delay. The deaths and suffering of children and civilians must end.”