The executive director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Catherine Russell, has condemned the israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, especially children, and called for an immediate end to the violence.

In a statement issued on X, Russell said she was appalled by the "horrifying images" of children and civilians killed in Gaza as they sought refuge in a school run by the UN agency. She said the school, like all other civilian facilities, must be respected and protected by all parties.

"The carnage must end. The suffering must end. This nightmare for children must end NOW!" she said.

According to the latest figures from the Palestinian health ministry, the Israeli onslaught on Gaza has killed at least 12,300 people, including more than 5,000 children, and wounded over 72,000 others. The ministry also said that more than 3,000 people are still missing and feared to be trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

The Israeli military has been pounding Gaza with air strikes, artillery shells and ground troops since October 7, claiming to target Hamas and other armed groups. However, the majority of the victims have been civilians, and many of the targets have been residential buildings, schools, hospitals, mosques and media offices.

The UN and several human rights organizations have accused israel of committing war crimes and violating international humanitarian law in Gaza. They have also called for an independent and impartial investigation into the violations and accountability for the perpetrators.

The international community has also urged israel to agree to a ceasefire and resume negotiations to end the decades-long conflict. However, the efforts have been hampered by the US veto at the UN Security Council and the lack of political will from Israel. (ILKHA)