ANKARA

Nobel laureates demanded compassion Friday for children in the Palestine-Israel conflict.

A statement by the laureates on X expressed their deep shock by the killing of children in Gaza and Israel.

"Palestinian children are our children. Israeli children are our children. We cannot consider ourselves civilised if this is what we do," it said.

The Nobel laureates stressed the innocence of children and urged the immediate release of children who were kidnapped.

"Children can't be starved of water, food, healthcare and shelter," they said, noting that children must immediately receive humanitarian aid, along with those who are vulnerable.

"The lives of the million children living in the Gaza Strip and the three million children living in Israel must be prioritised and protected," they said, while criticizing "protests and leaders” who “have rushed to remember the loss of life of only one group of children."

They called for compassion for all the children to move toward a "just and lasting peace."

The laureates include 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, Steven Chu who won in Physics, 2005 Peace Laureate Mohamed ElBaradei, Jody Williams for peace in 1997 and others.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.​​​​​​​

At least 4,137 Palestinians, including 1,524 children and 1,000 women have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. That figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.