As the world observes Universal Children’s Day, our hearts are heavy with the thought of the immense suffering endured by the children of Palestine. The ongoing genocide, which began in 2023, has claimed the lives of over 19,000 students and injured 28,000, leaving countless young minds traumatized and shattered. The devastating impact of this conflict on the future generation of Palestine is a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect the rights and dignity of children.
The scale of destruction is appalling, with hundreds of schools, kindergartens, early childhood centers, nurseries, and playgrounds completely or partially damaged in Gaza and the West Bank. These institutions, which are meant to be safe havens for learning and growth, have been reduced to rubble, disrupting the education and upbringing of thousands of children. The dreams and aspirations of an entire generation are being shattered, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their rights are protected and their future is secured.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Tamer Almassri strongly condemns the recent Israeli attacks across Gaza, which have killed at least 19 Palestinians and injured dozens more in flagrant violation of ceasefire agreements. These attacks, which have been launched in residential areas and civilian locations, demonstrate a blatant disregard for human life as Israel keeps piling misery upon the lives of displaced Palestinians with winter around the corner.
Since the ceasefire agreement of October 11, 2023, the number of Palestinians killed has reached 280, with 672 injured, bringing the cumulative death toll since October 2023 to a staggering 69,513, the majority of whom are children and women. The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are brought to justice.
