The Gaza Strip is now the most dangerous place in the world to be a child, denounced Catherine Russell, executive director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).

After seven days of respite from the horrific violence, fighting has resumed, and more children will surely die as a result, she said in a statement released here.

Before the lull, more than 5,300 children were killed in 48 days of Israeli bombardment, a figure that does not include many who are still missing and presumed buried under the rubble, she said.

Russell warned that the bombs are compounded by the lack of water, food, medical supplies, blankets and shelter for those in need, which could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe of major proportions.

The Unicef director defended the recently concluded truce, which she considered «a ray of hope for children in the midst of this horrible nightmare».

The pause in the fighting allowed the release of children and adolescents, as well as an increase in the delivery of vital supplies to Gaza, she said.

«This was not enough to meet the scale of humanitarian needs, but it was a start,» he said.

Russell renewed his call on all parties to ensure the protection and assistance of children, «in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law.»

All children in the State of Palestine and Israel deserve peace and hope for a better future, he said.