Islamabad 6 August 6: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a grim update on the humanitarian toll in Gaza, revealing that an average of 28 Palestinian children are being killed every day since Israel’s military campaign began in October 2023.
In a statement released Tuesday, UNICEF said the rate of child casualties is “unprecedented” in modern conflicts, describing the situation in Gaza as a “war on children.”
“More than 13,000 children have been confirmed killed, and thousands more remain missing or buried under rubble,” said UNICEF spokesperson James Elder. He warned that these figures are likely underestimates due to access limitations and communication blackouts in the region.
The UN agency reiterated its calls for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law. “Every day that passes without a ceasefire costs the lives of more children,” the agency stressed.
Israel launched its offensive following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths in Israel and around 250 hostages. Since then, Gaza has been under near-continuous bombardment, leaving much of the enclave in ruins.
UNICEF also raised alarm over the worsening conditions for Gaza’s surviving children, with many suffering from severe malnutrition, untreated injuries, trauma, and disease amid a collapsed health system.
The Israeli government has rejected accusations of disproportionate force, maintaining that its operations target Hamas militants embedded in civilian areas. However, rights groups and humanitarian agencies say the scale of child casualties is evidence of indiscriminate warfare.
UNICEF’s plea joins a growing international chorus demanding a halt to the war, which has now killed more than 37,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, the majority of them women and children.
