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Unicef deplores the recent shocking attack which reportedly killed more than 50 people, including many children, in the northern Syrian city of Qamishli. Local hospitals are overwhelmed treating more than 150 injured people. Unicef is informed that 32 children are being treated at the main hospital in Qamishli city, many with serious injuries.

Over 15 residences and 20 shops were reportedly destroyed, and injured civilians remain trapped under the rubble as rescuers continue to work to save lives and recover bodies. 

Unicef teams in Qamishli are coordinating with local partners to provide support for the urgent medical treatment of the injured.

Children continue to be killed and injured in many parts of Syria by attacks in civilian populated areas and against civilian infrastructure. On 20 July, a schoolgirl in Idlib was reportedly killed, along with eight other civilians, when airstrikes hit the school where she was taking her exams. Continued fighting in densely populated areas such as Aleppo, eastern Ghouta and other areas near Damascus, as well as in Manbij in northern Syria, is putting tens of thousands of children at grave risk of harm. 

Every day in Syria, children face the deadly threat of violence while at school, in hospitals, in their homes, in playgrounds and in markets. Children have nowhere safe to go. Unicef again urges all parties to the conflict in Syria to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect children and all civilians.

For further information, please contact:

Joe English, Unicef UK Press Office +44 (0)207 375 6091 JoeE@Unicef.org.uk

Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk