Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 322 children in just ten days, with hundreds more wounded, according to UNICEF. The devastating attacks continue to displace and endanger thousands, sparking urgent calls for humanitarian intervention.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported on Monday that in addition to the 322 child fatalities, at least 609 children have been injured in Israeli airstrikes. On average, nearly 100 children are being killed or maimed daily.
Among the casualties are children who were sheltering in makeshift tents or damaged homes after being displaced by the ongoing violence. The March 23 airstrike on the surgical department of Al-Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza further added to the growing death toll.
Israel resumed intense bombardments on March 18, ending a nearly two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Since then, the airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including a disproportionate number of children.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the dire situation, stating, “A ceasefire in Gaza is a critical lifeline for children, offering them a chance at survival and recovery. Instead, they are once again trapped in a cycle of extreme violence and deprivation.” She urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of innocent civilians.
According to UNICEF, the ongoing conflict, now spanning 18 months, has led to over 15,000 child deaths and 34,000 injuries. Nearly one million children have been displaced, stripped of their fundamental rights to safety, education, and healthcare.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened since March 2, as no aid has been allowed into Gaza. This blockade has severely limited access to food, clean water, shelter, and medical care, increasing the risk of malnutrition, disease, and preventable child deaths.
Despite the escalating danger, UNICEF remains committed to delivering life-saving assistance. However, the organization condemned the repeated attacks on aid workers, calling such actions a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
With no immediate end in sight, global pressure is mounting for urgent intervention to halt the bloodshed and provide critical relief to Gaza’s children.
LND/BG
