Statement on the killing of four children on a beach in Gaza City yesterday
17 July 2014 Amman – The killing of four Palestinian children - all from one extended family - and the injuring of two more all while playing on a beach in Gaza City is a stark reminder that no place is safe anymore for children in the Gaza Strip.
Also yesterday a number of rockets were found hidden in an UNRWA school in Gaza, in disregard for the neutrality of schools.
The number of children killed in Gaza has now reached at least 48 since the hostilities began only ten days ago. On average, four children from Gaza are being killed every day.
It is outrageous that children in Gaza continue to pay such a heavy price in a conflict for which they have no responsibility. Children on both sides of the conflict must be protected from this senseless violence. Those who are in a position of command have an obligation to keep children out of the line of fire.
UNICEF welcomes the short humanitarian pause that took place today and reiterates the call made by the UNICEF Executive Director for both sides to exercise maximum restraint and prevent additional child casualties.
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UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
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