UN calls for immediate cease-fire amid 'horrific' situation in Gaza

GENEVA

The United Nations Children’s Fund on Saturday called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, calling the situation in Gaza "horrific."

"UNICEF has been able to contact only a few of its humanitarian staff in the Gaza Strip. The situation in Gaza is horrific," Executive Director Catherine Russell said on X.

"We say it again: We demand an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and safe access," Russell said and added: "The killing or captivity of any child is an outrage."

"It must stop," she urged.

The Israeli army on Friday widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7. International aid agencies said they lost contact with staff in Gaza after Israel knocked out internet and communications.

At least 7,703 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli attacks. Some 70% of the Palestinian deaths are women and children, according to official figures.

The death toll in Israel stands at more than 1,400.

Gaza's 2.3 million residents are grappling with shortages of food, water, and medicine due to Israel’s massive air bombardment and total blockade of the enclave.

The UN General Assembly called for an immediate humanitarian truce, with 120 states voting for a resolution put forward by Jordan. Israel, however, rejected it.