Unicef Ireland has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East.
Speaking today, Unicef Ireland executive director Maura Quinn said the organisation was deeply concerned by the rising number of children killed, injured, or severely affected by the escalating violence in Lebanon and Israel.
"This is a war that has a very, very immediate and real impact on children. The untold story of what is going on in this war is that 30 per cent of those who have died are children and 45 per cent of those who are displaced are children," she said.
Now in its 21st day, the conflict between Israel and Hizbulah has left an estimated 828 people dead and 3,200 injured in Lebanon alone. Access to the most affected war zones remains problematic and getting emergency convoys and supplies to the country's hardest hit areas is difficult.
Unicef is calling for safe passage to conduct urgent humanitarian relief operations across Lebanon's worst war zones including Qana, where nearly 60 innocent civilians were killed in an Israeli air strike at the weekend. The dead included 37 children.
It is particularly concerned about the inability to move medical supplies and ambulances to the affected areas. Unhindered humanitarian access to the injured is an obligation under international law and is critical to the prevention of more civilian deaths in this crisis
"There is an urgent need to establish clear arrangements for full access and safe conduct of humanitarian relief operations" said Ms Quinn
Today, a joint UN convoy of 30 trucks, including seven Unicef trucks, will head for southern Lebanon's towns of Nakkoura, Rmeich and Tebnine. The convoy is carrying emergency supplies including 40,000 litres of bottled water, 110 family water kits, water purification tablets, essential drugs and recreation kits.
Unicef Ireland is appealing for donations from supporters for it's ongoing work for children caught up in the Middle East crisis. Donations can be made securely online at www.unicef.ieor by calling 1850 767 999. Direct lodgements can also be made to Unicef Ireland's AIB bank account. Account number: 2407 0037, Sort Code: 93-33-84