Catherine Russell, executive director of the United Nations Children’s Fund, has warned that Gaza is once again the “most dangerous place in the world to be a child” following the resumption of the fighting, Al Jazeera reports.

“It does not have to be this way — for seven days, there was a glimmer of hope for children amidst this horrific nightmare,” Russell said in a statement.

“More than 30 children held hostage in Gaza were safely released and reunited with their families. And the humanitarian pause enabled an increase in the delivery of lifesaving supplies into and across Gaza.”

“Children need a lasting humanitarian ceasefire,” Russell added.