Statement By UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore On The Situation In Gaza

NEW YORK (May 16, 2021) – “As the latest serious escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict hits one week, and as the Security Council meets today to discuss the latest development on the ground, I renew my call for an immediate end to the violence.

“Over the past week, at least 55 children in the State of Palestine and 2 children in Israel have been killed.

“Fear and destruction are mounting on both sides.

“In Gaza, schools have been destroyed, homes and offices have been flattened, and entire families have been displaced.

“In Israel, schools, homes and buildings have also been damaged.

“Violence, killing and hatred must stop. International human rights and humanitarian law must be upheld. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.

“The only solution is a diplomatic solution – for the sake of all children and their future.”

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About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to pursue a more equitable world for every child. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org
Gabby Arias, UNICEF USA, 917.720.1306, garias@unicefusa.org