At least 322 children have died amidst renewed clashes, with the humanitarian crisis deepening.
Deaths of Children in Gaza Soar Amid Renewed Conflict, Reports Unicef
Deaths of Children in Gaza Soar Amid Renewed Conflict, Reports Unicef
Unicef highlights tragic toll of ongoing violence on children in Gaza as hostilities escalate.
Since the start of Israel’s new offensive in Gaza, the toll on children has been catastrophic. Unicef reports that at least 322 children have perished since the renewed violence began two weeks ago, with additional reports indicating over 600 have sustained injuries. In a statement, Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed grave concern, stating, “The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza's children and hope for a path to recovery. But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation.”
The conflict reignited on March 18, after Hamas rejected a US proposal aimed at extending a ceasefire and securing the release of 59 hostages. In retaliation, Hamas accused Israel of violating the terms of an earlier agreement reached in January. The latest bombardments have resulted in what Unicef describes as relentless and indiscriminate strikes, with an alarming rate of 100 children killed or injured each day over a 10-day span. Many of these victims were displaced individuals seeking refuge in tents or damaged homes.
Unicef relies on health ministry figures from Gaza, which are often contested by Israel, yet considered credible by the UN and other international organizations. Due to restrictions, independent verification by international journalists remains impossible. In response to the rising casualties, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted its commitment to minimizing civilian harm and complying with international legal standards, asserting that it purposefully assesses potential civilian collateral damage during operations.
Since the beginning of this protracted conflict over 18 months ago, Unicef estimates that approximately 15,000 children have lost their lives, alongside over 34,000 injuries and nearly one million displaced minors. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by a blockage of aid deliveries, with Israel halting supplies since March 2, marking the longest such blockage since the war commenced. Unicef warned that without this essential aid, which includes food and medical supplies, the rates of malnutrition and other preventable diseases among children are expected to spike, leading to an increase in avoidable deaths.
Following the unfortunate deaths of multiple medical personnel during Israeli operations, the UN announced a reduction in its activities in Gaza. The IDF's military efforts aim at dismantling Hamas, deemed a terrorist organization by Israel and allies, in response to an unprecedented and deadly cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. The ongoing conflict has led to reported fatalities exceeding 50,399 in Gaza, as per the Hamas-controlled health ministry.
The conflict reignited on March 18, after Hamas rejected a US proposal aimed at extending a ceasefire and securing the release of 59 hostages. In retaliation, Hamas accused Israel of violating the terms of an earlier agreement reached in January. The latest bombardments have resulted in what Unicef describes as relentless and indiscriminate strikes, with an alarming rate of 100 children killed or injured each day over a 10-day span. Many of these victims were displaced individuals seeking refuge in tents or damaged homes.
Unicef relies on health ministry figures from Gaza, which are often contested by Israel, yet considered credible by the UN and other international organizations. Due to restrictions, independent verification by international journalists remains impossible. In response to the rising casualties, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted its commitment to minimizing civilian harm and complying with international legal standards, asserting that it purposefully assesses potential civilian collateral damage during operations.
Since the beginning of this protracted conflict over 18 months ago, Unicef estimates that approximately 15,000 children have lost their lives, alongside over 34,000 injuries and nearly one million displaced minors. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by a blockage of aid deliveries, with Israel halting supplies since March 2, marking the longest such blockage since the war commenced. Unicef warned that without this essential aid, which includes food and medical supplies, the rates of malnutrition and other preventable diseases among children are expected to spike, leading to an increase in avoidable deaths.
Following the unfortunate deaths of multiple medical personnel during Israeli operations, the UN announced a reduction in its activities in Gaza. The IDF's military efforts aim at dismantling Hamas, deemed a terrorist organization by Israel and allies, in response to an unprecedented and deadly cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. The ongoing conflict has led to reported fatalities exceeding 50,399 in Gaza, as per the Hamas-controlled health ministry.
