The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned the killing of four Palestinians in the refugee camp of Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday. The agency noted that all four children came from the same family, two siblings and two cousins, saying "our hearts go out to their families and friends in communities that have been so cruelly affected by this latest escalation." "UNRWA repeats its profound concern regarding the impact of the military escalation on children by placing their lives and futures at risk. Children are and must be protected under International Law and those responsible for breaching their obligations must be held fully accountable on the basis of clear evidence. The Agency yet again appeals to all parties to exercise maximum restraint and comply with their obligations under International Law in the strictest terms, including with regard to protecting the inherent right to life of children," UNRWA said in a statement published on its website. During the past couple of days, Gazan factions launched rocket attacks towards Israel in response to the latter's crackdown on Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Almost 60 Palestinians have been killed as Israel responded with heavy airstrikes. In addition to ongoing acts of violence committed by both Israeli settlers and forces against the Palestinians in East Jerusalem, Israel plans to evict several Palestinians families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. Israeli settlers regularly storm Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, while strict limitations are imposed by Israeli security forces on the Palestinians who wish to enter it.
