STATEMENT ON ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE IN GAZA

Children in the Gaza Strip are sheltering in fear and all schools closed following another escalation of violence, said Jason Lee, Save the Children’s Country Director for the occupied Palestinian territory who is currently in Gaza. 

This follows reports of Israeli airstrikes early Tuesday killing 12 Palestinians, including four children, and injuring another 20 people.   

"Once again, children in Gaza are paying the highest price for another escalation of violence.  

 Children must never be killed or maimed. Killing or maiming children is a grave violation against children and perpetrators should be held to account for their actions. 

 “For many children, this will bring back traumatic memories of previous rounds of violence. Only two years ago this month, within 11 days, 261 Palestinians were killed, including 67 children.  With every airstrike, children’s sense of security is ripped away yet again, with dire consequences for their long-term wellbeing.  

 Our team in Gaza and their families are telling us that there is no safe place to be in Gaza right now. Families are sheltering in fear and all schools have been closed in yet another day of terror and uncertainty. 

 “If violence escalates further, Palestinian and Israeli children’s lives and wellbeing will be threatened. The only way to truly protect children’s lives is to halt this violence and for all parties to do everything in their power to de-escalate the situation immediately. Israeli authorities must ensure that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected from attack, in accordance with international humanitarian law." 

Save the Children is one of the largest non-governmental organisations working in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), the West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, addressing the immediate humanitarian and long-term development needs of children and families.  

Save the Children currently implements programmes in the areas of education, child protection, livelihoods and economic opportunities, and psychosocial health. We also provide water and sanitation services and health and nutrition services to women and children.