The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has decried the “staggering” number of children casualties in Gaza which has now risen to nearly 3,000.

“The situation in the Gaza Strip is a growing stain on our collective conscience. The rate of death and injuries of children simply staggering,” Adele Khodr, Unicef regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, has said.

“Even more frightening is the fact that unless tensions are eased, and unless humanitarian aid is allowed, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel, the daily death toll will continue to rise.”