Unicef Statement on Gaza

UNICEF Statement on situation in Gaza

AMMAN, 1 March 2008 - UNICEF is deeply troubled that the current escalation of the conflict in Gaza is hurting a large number of children. Since the beginning of the current round of violence on Wednesday, 17 children from Gaza have been killed and over 200 injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations has recently expressed deep concern at the loss of civilian life in Southern Israel and Gaza in the latest escalation of violence and called for maximum restraint.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child puts an emphasis on the need to take all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by an armed conflict.

In addition to being its direct casualties, the terrifying impact of this conflict affects all children.

Children constitute more than half the population of Gaza and are bearing the brunt of the crisis. They are already suffering severely from a series of restrictions, including the blockade on most goods imposed since June 2007. (source)

ISRAEL

Statement

by

H.E. Mr. Meir Sheetrit
Minister of Justice
Head of Delegation of the State of Israel

United Nations Special Session on Children

(9 May 2002)
The United Nations New York

Distinguished Chairman,

Israel is proud to be participating in this United Nations Special Session on Children as a reflection of our unwavering commitment to putting our children first - to protecting their rights and enhancing their health, education and opportunity, in Israel and around the world. It is they who will inherit the world, and chart the course of the future. Our obligation to our children is indistinguishable from our obligation to humanity.

(source of statement)

Emergency workers carry a wounded baby after an Israeli operation near Jebaliyah on Saturday.