Jonathan Crickx in Gaza
Catherine Russell in NY
"Our teams are working around the clock to scale up desperately needed humanitarian assistance, especially in areas not reached before the ceasefire due to operational challenges or restrictions,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell. “UNICEF teams continue to encounter children in desperate need. The ceasefire has provided some relief, but families are returning to areas that have been completely destroyed. Physical and emotional scars run deep.”
“This ceasefire offers a window for initial recovery that we hope paves the way for longer-term peace,” said Russell. “It is critical that the renewed flow of aid is sustained and that humanitarians are assured safe and unimpeded access to help meet the huge level of need.”
UNICEF welcomes the release of the 12 children as young as 15 years old from detention in Israel, as well as young adults who were first detained as children. UNICEF has called to end the detention of children in all its forms. UNICEF renews its call for the release of all hostages from the Gaza Strip, especially the two remaining children.
And we note that our ex-colleague Kirstin Haag has just received an additional workload from the SG which might help to speed up and increase humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable population.
ReplyDeletetoo many interruptions.....it is Sigrid Kaag !!!
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