NEW YORK, 16 November 2012 – UNICEF is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and Israel and its impact on children.
In the past two days, six Palestinian children age 10 months to 15 years have been reported killed in airstrikes on Gaza, and 60 injured. Another Palestinian child was reported killed by a rocket which fell short. Gaza is under closure making it difficult for civilians to flee.
In Southern Israel, schools within 40 kilometers of the Gaza Strip remained closed due to indiscriminate rocket fire.
Both rocket attacks and airstrikes are putting children and their families at risk, leaving them exposed to physical harm and mental distress.
UNICEF calls on all parties to do everything to exercise the utmost restraint and to protect the rights and well-being of all children.
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook
For more information, please contact:
Sarah Crowe, Spokesperson for the Executive Director,
Tel + 1 212 326 7206 / Mobile + 1 646 209 1590
scrowe@unicef.org
Peter Smerdon, UNICEF New York,
Tel + 1 212 303 7984 / Mobile: + 1 917 213 5188,
psmerdon@unicef.org
