The breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of intense bombardments and ground operations in the Gaza Strip has reportedly left at least 322 children dead and 609 injured – constituting a daily average of more than 100 children killed or maimed over the past ten days. Most of these children were displaced, sheltering in makeshift tents or damaged homes. These figures include children who were reportedly killed or injured when the surgical department of Al Nasser Hospital, in southern Gaza, was struck in an attack on 23 March.
The resurgence of relentless and indiscriminate bombardments, combined with the complete block on supplies entering the Gaza Strip for more than three weeks, has put the humanitarian response under severe strain and Gaza’s civilians – especially its one million children – at grave risk.
“The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza’s children and hope for a path to recovery,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation. All parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children.”
After nearly 18 months of war, more than 15,000 children have reportedly been killed, over 34,000 reportedly injured, and nearly one million children repeatedly displaced and deprived of their right to basic services.
With no aid allowed into the Gaza Strip since 2 March – representing the longest period of aid blockage since the start of the war – food, safe water, shelter, and medical care have become increasingly scarce. Without these essential supplies, malnutrition, diseases and other preventable conditions will likely surge, leading to an increase in preventable child deaths.
Humanitarian organisations are working tirelessly to protect and support children under these horrific conditions but continue to face attacks that have killed and injured hundreds of aid workers. These attacks are in violation of international humanitarian law and jeopardize the continuity of critical, life-saving operations for those in desperate need. Despite the ongoing risks, UNICEF is committed to continuing to provide the humanitarian support children and their families depend on for survival and protection.
UNICEF continues to call on parties to cease hostilities and reinstate the ceasefire. Humanitarian aid and commercial goods must be allowed to enter and be transported across the Gaza Strip. Sick and injured children must be evacuated for medical care. Civilians, including children and humanitarian workers, and the remaining essential infrastructure must be protected, and the hostages must be released.
UNICEF also urges states with influence to use their leverage to stop the conflict and ensure respect for international law, including that children are protected. The world must not stand by and allow the killing and suffering of children to continue.
