UNICEF urges end to 'detention of children in all its forms'

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday urged for an end to the "detention of children in all its forms," while welcoming Israel's releasing of 12 Palestinian children from detention.

"UNICEF welcomes the release of the 12 children as young as 15 years old from detention in Israel, as well as young adults who were first detained as children. UNICEF has called to end the detention of children in all its forms," a statement said.

Calling for the release of all hostages from the Gaza Strip, including the remaining children, UNICEF emphasized the importance of all parties upholding the Gaza ceasefire deal.

A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war on the enclave.

"This positive progress must be sustained, in the interests of all children," it added.

The statement also reported that "more than 350 trucks" carrying aid have entered Gaza in the first week and stated that the trucks delivered essential supplies including water, hygiene kits, malnutrition treatments, and warm clothes to families in desperate need.

Urging for scale-up of relief efforts, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in the statement that the agency's teams "are working around the clock to scale up desperately needed humanitarian assistance, especially in areas not reached before the ceasefire due to operational challenges or restrictions."

"The ceasefire has provided some relief, but families are returning to areas that have been completely destroyed. Physical and emotional scars run deep," she said.

Noting the immense challenges faced by over 1 million children in Gaza, UNICEF stressed its commitment to continue to push for increased aid deliveries, aiming for "50 trucks a day."

The agency called on the international community to ensure sustained humanitarian access and financial support to meet the overwhelming needs.