UNICEF condemns attack on Qana children

New York, Aug 1: Expressing grief over the deaths of over 50 children in the Israeli strike on the Lebanese village of Qana, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned the attack, saying that children are ''once again paying the price of war.''

''We strongly condemn the continued targeting of civilians, particularly children. We urge all parties to heed the call of Secretary-General Kofi Annan for an immediate cessation of hostilities,'' Executive Director Ann M Veneman of UNICEF said.

''We urgently need the establishment of clear arrangements for full access and safe conduct of humanitarian relief operations.'' The UN agency urged to relocate the children, the wounded, the disabled, and the elderly who have not been able to escape the fighting in the worst war zones. Besides asking for re-supplying hospitals and health centers with emergency medical relief items and fuel for generators. It also called for providing water and sanitation facilities, food, and other basic supplies to the tens of thousands of displaced who are seeking shelter in public buildings in the conflict zones.

''We are also deeply concerned by demonstrations at UN premises in Beirut which caused significant damage to the offices and forced UN employees to take refuge, the UNICEF chief said. ''UN humanitarian workers are providing assistance to those suffering in this conflict, especially the children. Their safety and security are of utmost importance.'' About 800,000 people are reportedly internally displaced, with an estimated 119,625 people living in 652 schools and public gardens in and around Beirut. An estimated 45 per cent of the internally displaced are children.

UNI

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