GAZA: UNICEF calls for maximum restraints and protection of children
Palestinian children walk in the rubble of a destroyed house a day after an Israeli strike, in the town of Beit Hanoun, northern Gaza Strip. -AP Photo/Khalil Hamra
UNICEF joins the Security Council in calling all sides to urgently exercise maximum restraint and for the protection of civilians, especially the children in Gaza and Israel.
“No child should have to suffer the terrifying impact of such violence. The violence is taking a shocking toll on children both physically and psychologically, with alarming consequences for future chances of peace, stability and understanding.
“Too often children who witness such violence, and come to view it as "normal", are likely to repeat it themselves in later life,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake in a statement.
Children in Gaza
The situation in Gaza and Israel could affect the children physically and psychologically. -AP Photo/Khalil Hamra
He added, UNICEF staff on the ground have spoken with families who describe the deep emotional impact that the current violence is having on children, children who are not sleeping or who are having nightmares, children who have stopped eating, and children who are exhibiting harrowing signs of mental distress.“Children are bearing the brunt of the worsening violence in Gaza and Israel with at least 33 children killed in Gaza in recent days, and hundreds more injured,” said Lake.
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