Russell stated: "I am horrified by the reported deaths and injuries of children and women following an attack on the Al Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip this evening. While details are still emerging and bodies are still being counted, the scenes on the ground are devastating."

She highlighted the alarming impact of the ongoing war on children and families, emphasizing that, in just 11 days, hundreds of children have tragically lost their lives, excluding the recent deaths. Additionally, thousands have been injured, and over 300,000 children have been displaced from their homes.

Russell firmly denounced attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, deeming them unacceptable and urging an immediate cessation of hostilities. UNICEF reissued its urgent plea for a halt to the violence, emphasizing the imperative need to protect children from harm and facilitate safe and timely access to humanitarian aid.

"Every child, everywhere deserves peace,” Russell concluded. (ILKHA)