NEW YORK, March 18, 2025 (WAFA) – Reports and images emerging from the Gaza Strip following today’s attacks are beyond horrifying, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said today.

In a statement, Russell said Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed, including more than 130 children, representing one of the largest single-day child death toll in the last year.

“Some of the strikes reportedly hit makeshift shelters with sleeping children and families, another deadly reminder that nowhere is safe in Gaza,” Russell noted.

She said the latest attacks come as lifesaving aid remains blocked from entering Gaza, compounding the risks to children, adding that it has been sixteen days since the last truck delivering humanitarian aid crossed into Gaza.

In addition, she further said, electricity has been cut to the main desalination plant, significantly reducing the amount of potable water.

“Today, Gaza’s one million children – who have endured more than 15 months of war – have been plunged back into a world of fear and death. The attacks and the violence must stop – now,” Russell affirmed.

She called on countries with influence to use their leverage to ensure the situation does not further deteriorate, stressing that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, allowing the immediate provision of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians.

A.D./ K.F.