UNICEF Reports Alarming Child Casualties in Renewed Gaza Offensive

In a harrowing report, UNICEF indicates that since Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza, a staggering 322 children have lost their lives, while many more have been injured. This escalation follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement, as the region braces for worsening humanitarian conditions.

At least 322 children have reportedly been killed since Israel initiated a renewed military offensive against Gaza two weeks ago, according to the United Nations children's agency, UNICEF. The agency has also noted at least 609 children wounded during this tumultuous period. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed deep 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."

Israel's intensified operations began on March 18, following Hamas's rejection of a new U.S. proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire and securing the release of 59 hostages still held within Gaza. In retaliation, Hamas accused Israel of breaching the initial deal established in January.

UNICEF reported that the bombardments in Gaza have been relentless and indiscriminate, with horrific statistics revealing that approximately 100 children are killed or harmed daily. Many of those fatalities involve displaced children seeking refuge in makeshift tents or damaged homes. The figures cited are derived from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, which Israel has frequently contested. Nevertheless, these figures are recognized by the UN and other global organizations as credible. Due to restrictions, independent verification by international journalists, including those from the BBC, remains unattainable.

Since the conflict erupted over 18 months ago, UNICEF disclosed that around 15,000 children have lost their lives, more than 34,000 have sustained injuries, and nearly one million have been repeatedly driven from their homes. The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has escalated significantly, especially after Israel halted all aid deliveries to the enclave since March 2—a blockade now deemed the longest since hostilities began. UNICEF warned that a lack of essential supplies could lead to spiraling malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and ultimately, increased preventable child deaths.

The UN announced a reduction in its operations in Gaza shortly after tragic incidents occurred on March 24, where Israeli forces killed eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN staff member in southern Gaza. The IDF's campaign against Hamas, classified as a terrorist group by Israel, the UK, the US, and various other nations, was a response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken.

As hostilities continue, reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate a staggering death toll in Gaza, with more than 50,399 individuals reported killed amid the ongoing war, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and a resolution to the conflict.