New York - Saba:
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed her shock at reports of the deaths of seven children in the Gaza Strip while waiting for water at a water distribution point.
Executive Director Catherine Russell said this horrific incident comes just days after other children and women were killed while waiting to receive food aid.
She stressed that targeting children and women in such circumstances is a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
The UNICEF Executive Director called on the Israeli authorities to immediately review their rules of engagement and take all necessary measures to protect civilians, especially children, in accordance with international law.
UNICEF stated that children in Gaza are paying a heavy price due to the ongoing war, calling for an immediate ceasefire and ensuring safe access for humanitarian aid to those in need.
An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed 10 children at a water distribution point in central Gaza, according to Al Awda Hospital. Video footage of the chaotic scene showed many more casualties, including children.
Gaza officials said at least 10 people, mostly children, were killed and more than 12 injured in the central Gaza Strip in a missile strike targeting a water distribution point.
The Israeli military claimed it was targeting an Islamic Jihad militant in the area, but the missile malfunctioned, causing it to fall dozens of meters from its target.
With the ongoing devastating Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the worsening humanitarian catastrophe, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled due to Israel's intransigence regarding its withdrawal from the Strip.
Indirect talks in Doha, which are addressing a US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, have made little progress.