UNICEF: People in Gaza are trapped and cannot escape

The conflict in the Gaza Strip is unique because people are trapped in the enclave due to Israel's blockade and cannot escape, UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell told CNN.

"This is such a unique situation because in many places people can leave, but here [in the Gaza Strip] they can't go anywhere [because of the blockade]. They're just trapped," she said. Russell reiterated that people in the enclave have no access to water and food.

"All parties to the conflict have a responsibility to secure places like hospitals, and schools where civilians and children are seeking refuge," she said, pointing out that more than 4,700 children have died since the conflict began.

Russell said she plans to return to the region in a few weeks. Because of the traffic accident in Egypt, Russell had to cut short a trip to Israel, where she had intended to meet with the families of the abducted children.