UNICEF Reports Rising Child Casualties Amid Continued Violence in Gaza

UNICEF has reported that at least 322 children have been killed and hundreds more wounded since the resurgence of violence in Gaza two weeks ago, as the humanitarian situation deteriorates further amid ongoing conflict.

The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, has expressed grave concerns as recent figures indicate that at least 322 children have lost their lives since Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza two weeks ago. Additionally, UNICEF reports that approximately 609 other children have sustained injuries during this tumultuous period.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, remarked on the dire state of affairs, stating, "The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza's children and hope for a path to recovery. But children have once again been ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence and deprivation."

The renewed offensive was initiated on March 18, following Hamas's rejection of a new proposal from the U.S. aimed at extending a ceasefire and securing the release of 59 hostages. Conversely, Hamas has accused Israel of breaching a prior agreement made in January.

UNICEF noted that in the ten days leading up to March 31, relentless and indiscriminate airstrikes had reportedly resulted in the deaths or injuries of around 100 children per day. Many of these children were already displaced, seeking refuge in makeshift shelters or damaged homes. The figures reported by UNICEF are derived from data provided by Gaza's health ministry, which operates under Hamas; these numbers have been contested by Israeli authorities yet are recognized as reliable by the UN and other global entities.

In a statement to the BBC, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized its commitment to minimizing civilian harm during military operations and adhering to international legal standards. The IDF claimed it undertakes significant efforts to assess potential civilian collateral damage during their strikes.

Since the outset of the conflict 18 months ago, UNICEF has estimated that around 15,000 children have been killed, over 34,000 injured, and nearly one million displaced. The humanitarian crisis has escalated significantly in recent weeks, particularly due to Israel's refusal to permit aid into Gaza since March 2, marking the longest humanitarian blockade since the beginning of the war. UNICEF cautioned that this lack of essential supplies could lead to a rise in malnutrition, diseases, and other preventable conditions, consequently increasing child mortality rates.

The UN announced a reduction in its operations within Gaza on March 24, a day after a lethal strike by Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of eight Palestinian paramedics, six Civil Defense responders, and a UN staff member in southern Gaza. The ongoing campaign by the IDF seeks to dismantle Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the UK, the US, and other nations, in retaliation for a devastating attack on October 7, 2023, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 individuals being taken hostage.

According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, the conflict has led to over 50,399 casualties in Gaza.