UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- U.N. humanitarian agencies have issued a joint statement to remind the international community of the deteriorating situation on the Gaza Strip.
In the statement, issued Thursday, the agencies expressed regret that the humanitarian consequences of the Hamas-Israel conflict have been overshadowed by the situation in Lebanon.
"The United Nations stands firmly by its commitments to uphold the dignity of the Israelis and the Palestinians, including the people of Gaza -- and the right of both sides to live in peace and security," the statement said.
On the Palestinian side, 175 people, including approximately 40 children, have been killed since June 28, and another 620 have been injured. Between 200 and 250 artillery shells are fired from Israel each day and there have been 220 aerial bombings.
Israelis, meanwhile, have been hit by a daily barrage of eight to nine homemade rockets fired by militants in Gaza. One Israel Defense Force soldier has been killed and 25 Israelis have been injured.
On both sides, civilians are bearing the brunt of suffering due to the violence.
