‘Unconscionable’: UNICEF chief condemns killing of Gaza children
Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN’s child rights agency (UNICEF), has condemned the killing of dozens of Palestinian children in Gaza in the past days.
“This should shock the world but is largely met with indifference,” Russell said, adding that more than 1 million children in Gaza also are at risk of starvation amid Israel’s blockade.
“More than 1 million children in Gaza are at risk of starvation. They are deprived of food, water and medicine.
All parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law.” - Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director pic.twitter.com/lDxTExbpy0
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) May 15, 2025
US senators call on Trump to pressure Israel to end blockade
More than two dozen US senators have introduced a resolution urging the Trump administration to “use all diplomatic tools at its disposal” to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
“It’s been over two months since the Israeli government has been using its power to withhold food, medicine, lifesaving cancer treatments, dialysis systems, formula, and more from starving and suffering families across Gaza,” Senator Peter Welch told the Senate earlier this week.
“Half a million Palestinians in Gaza are facing starvation, and that number is rising … All the while, these trucks that are filled with food and medicine – much of that aid provided by the United States and our allies – is right there across the border,” he said.
“We cannot have or sanction a government-intentional policy of starvation.”
The US provides at least $3.8bn in military assistance to Israel each year. Since the Israeli war on Gaza began in October 2023, it has provided billions in additional weapons to the Israeli military, as well as diplomatic cover to its top ally amid international condemnation.
Last week, Jinan Iskafi died of starvation in Gaza. She was four months old.
The formula she needed to survive was just across the border.
But because of the month's-long blockage of aid into Gaza, her parents couldn't get it in time. pic.twitter.com/ojMTRpGhEz
— Senator Peter Welch (@SenPeterWelch) May 15, 2025
