UNICEF spokesperson ‘furious’ over situation in Gaza

GENEVA – AFP

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, who spent nearly two weeks in Gaza, said at a press briefing in Geneva that he was “furious that those with power shrug at the humanitarian nightmares unleashed on a million children” in Gaza.

He spoke of the fate of children hospitalised after having undergone amputations and who were then “killed in those hospitals” in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli army is continuing its bombardment.

“I’m furious. I’m furious that those with power shrug at the humanitarian nightmares unleashed on a million children. I’m furious that children who are recovering from amputations in hospitals are then killed in those hospitals. I’m furious that there are more children hiding as we speak somewhere, who will no doubt be hit and have amputations in the coming days. I’m furious that of all the senseless attacks, the only admittance of dumb is the use of dumb bombs (ed. unguided bombs). I’m furious that disease is as well armed as the warring parties but it gets absolutely no attention,” he said.

“I’m furious that Christmas is likely going to bring increased savagery and attacks as the world is distracted with its own, you know, love and goodwill. I’m furious that now we’re at 5,000, 6,000, 7,000 children killed and they’re becoming statistics and not stories. I’m furious at the hypocrisy crushing empathy and yeah, to a degree I’m furious at myself for not being able to do more.”