UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell briefed the UN Security Council (UNSC) about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, urging them to adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas, as ground forces entered Gaza and freed one hostage.
Russell during a UNSC meeting on Monday asserted that the "true cost of this latest escalation will be measured in children’s lives — those lost to the violence and those forever changed by it."
Meanwhile, Netanyahu slapped aside demands from UN agencies for a truce, saying: "Calls for a ceasefire are calls for Israel to surrender to Hamas, to surrender to terrorism."
"This will not happen," the premier told foreign media, vowing Israel would "fight until this battle is won".
Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7 killing over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking over 200 hostages, according to Israeli reports.
Russell quoted the Palestinian health ministry revealing that more than 8,300 Palestinians have been martyred in Gaza, including over 3,400 children, with over 6,300 children injured.
She added: "This means that more than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza every day — a number which should shake each of us to our core."
She further called for the UNSC to "immediately adopt a resolution that reminds parties of their obligations under international law, calls for a ceasefire, demands that parties allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, demands the immediate and safe release of all abducted children, and urges parties to afford children the special protection to which they are entitled."
As the Israel-Palestine war enters its 25th day, the humanitarian crisis has worsened even more despite the entry of aid into the region which the chief of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) has termed as "nothing but crumbs".
Russell emphasised: "All parties must stop violence, and prevent any grave violations committed against children."
The UNICEF chief also demanded "humanitarian access through all crossings into the Gaza Strip, through safe and efficient supply routes."
She added: "And parties must ensure the safe and unimpeded movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel throughout the Gaza Strip for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, including — but not limited to — food, water, medicines, fuel, and electricity."
