UNICEF chief injured in car accident on way to Gaza, postpones Israel visit

A UNICEF spokesperson announced on Wednesday that UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell had to postpone a trip to Israel as a result of her injuries sustained in a car accident in Egypt on Tuesday while on her way to the Gaza Strip.

“While en route to Rafah, we believe the car hit or tried to avert a big pothole that made the car go over a deep ditch and flip on the side,” Kurtis Cooper, the head of UNICEF’s media department Russell had “experienced significant bruising, and is in quite a bit of discomfort, but her injuries are not considered serious.”

Russell delayed the remainder of her trip to the region, which included Israel, where she had intended to meet with relatives of kidnapped children, he added. Russell had continued her journey to Gaza until medical professionals decided she needed more care.

(With agency inputs)