UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, has expressed her utter dismay at the bombing of the Al Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli military.

In a press statement on the issue, she said she was “horrified by the reported deaths and injuries of children and women following an attack on the Al Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip this evening.”

“While details are still emerging and bodies are still being counted, the scenes on the ground are devastating,” she said.

The bombardment of the Gaza Strip follows an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians which led to the killing and kidnapping of hundreds.

The Israelis in retaliation have enforced a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, and cut essential services such as food, water and electricity to the area.

They have also prevented the creation of a humanitarian corridor for essential aid to reach civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Thousands have died since the bombardments began and thousands more have been injured.

A UN resolution being pushed by Russia to call for an Israeli ceasefire was lost after western powers voted against it.

Speaking concerning the devastation, Catherine Russell said "This underscores the deadly impact this ongoing war is having on children and families. In just 11 days, hundreds of children have tragically lost their lives – not including today’s deaths – and thousands more injured, and over 300,000 children displaced from their homes.”

She added that “Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals, are unacceptable and must cease now. UNICEF reiterates its urgent plea for an immediate cessation of hostilities, ensuring the protection of children from harm and facilitating the safe and timely access of humanitarian aid to children in need.

“Every child, everywhere deserves peace."