The deadly Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya is “the reality for children and families in Gaza every single day,” according to an official with the United Nations’ children’s agency.
More than 90 people, including 25 children, were killed in the attack on the multistory building on Tuesday, according to Palestinian authorities.
Joe English, emergency communications specialist with UNICEF, said doctors and colleagues in northern Gaza have described “near apocalyptic” conditions under a nearly month-long Israeli military siege.
Israel’s ban on the UN relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) from operating in the country will only make the situation more dire, English said.
“There is no other organization on the ground who are able to reach children and families in need, able to staff the hospital and the health centers, able to staff the schools,” he said. “Life in Gaza is hard enough, but it will become near impossible if UNRWA’s work is prevented.”
