Gaza strip named 'most dangerous' place in world; over 5,300 Palestinian children killed in 46 days
PTC News Desk: Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund has named the Gaza Strip as the most dangerous place" in the world to be a child, according to CNN.
"Over 5,300 Palestinian children have reportedly been killed in just 46 days...That's over 115 a day, every day, for weeks and weeks," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a video address to the UN Security Council on Wednesday.
"Based on these figures, children account for 40 per cent of the deaths in Gaza," she said. "This is unprecedented. In other words, the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child."
During the October 7 Hamas offensive into Israel, over 1,200 Israeli citizens were killed, with over 240 taken hostage.
Alternatively, the Israeli Defense Forces' retaliatory attack on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 12,000 Palestinians, according to CNN.
UNICEF has received reports that "more than 1,200 children" are still expected to be trapped under the rubble of bombed-out buildings as a result of Israel's targeted attack, with many children still unaccounted for.
Russell's remarks come a week after his visit to Gaza. In a statement released after her visit, she described "grave violations" against children, including "killing, maiming, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access."
On Tuesday morning, a ceasefire agreement was announced in which 50 of the approximately 200 hostages taken during the October 7 attacks were exchanged for a ceasefire, allowing critical humanitarian aid to enter the area and assist in-need Palestinian civilians and children.
According to The Times of Israel, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement on Wednesday confirming the release of approximately 50 hostages kidnapped by the Hamas terror group in Gaza during the October 7 attack.
Similarly, the US President, via his social media X, stated that he was glad the deal was secured and that the hostages would be reunited with their families.
"I welcome the deal to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its brutal assault against Israel on October 7."
- ANI
