Iran Press/ Europe: From the earliest days of the unprecedented hostilities in the Gaza Strip, UNICEF has been forthright on the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, for aid to flow and for children abducted to be released. Like many others, we have pleaded for the killing of children to stop, UNICEF Spokesperson James Elder said on Tuesday at a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
“Our gravest fears about the reported numbers of children killed becoming dozens, then hundreds, and ultimately thousands were realized in just a fortnight. The numbers are appalling; reportedly more than 3,450 children killed; staggeringly this rises significantly every day."
“Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children. It’s a living hell for everyone else."
“And yet the threats to children go beyond bombs and mortars. I want to speak briefly on water and trauma."
“The more than one million children of Gaza also have a water crisis. Gaza’s water production capacity is a mere 5 percent of its usual daily output. Child deaths – particularly infants - to dehydration are a growing threat.
“This is what one of my UNICEF colleagues, Nesma, who lives and works in Gaza said. She has two children, 4yr old Talia, and 7yr old Zain: It breaks my heart to see children around me strive for a cup of clean water and cannot find it. Zain keeps asking for regular water."
"She means safe drinking water, not salty water which is the only option right now and is making 7yr old Zain and many other children sick."
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