Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on children killed during a nutrition aid distribution in the Gaza Strip
“We are appalled by the reported killing of 15 Palestinians, including nine children and four women, who were waiting in line for nutritional supplies for children in Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip, Thursday morning. An additional 30 people were reportedly injured, including 19 children.
This assistance was being provided by Project Hope, a UNICEF partner organization, to families in desperate need. The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable.
These were mothers seeking a lifeline for their children after months of hunger and desperation. Among them was Donia, whose 1-year-old boy, Mohammed, was killed. She said he spoke his first words to her just hours earlier. Donia now lies in a hospital bed, critically injured by the blast, clutching Mohammed’s tiny shoe. No parent should have to face such tragedy.
This is the cruel reality confronting many in Gaza today after months of insufficient aid being allowed into the territory, and parties to the conflict failing to uphold basic responsibilities to protect civilians.
The lack of aid means children are facing starvation while the risk of famine grows. The number of malnourished children will continue to rise until life-saving aid and services are resumed at full scale.
International law is clear: all parties to the conflict have an obligation to protect civilians and ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.
We call on Israel to urgently review its rules of engagement to ensure full compliance with international humanitarian law, notably the protection of civilians, including children, and to conduct a thorough and independent investigation of this incident and all allegations of violations.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and all those affected, including our partners at Project Hope, who continue to serve Gaza’s children under the most dangerous conditions.
UNICEF again calls for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages, and for all parties to protect civilians, including children and humanitarian workers. Food, water, as well as nutrition and medical supplies, must reach children safely and without delay. The deaths and suffering of children and civilians must end."
