The United Nations agency for children reports at least 322 children have been killed since Israel launched a renewed offensive in Gaza two weeks ago. UNICEF said 609 other children were reportedly wounded during the same period.
“The ceasefire provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza’s children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation.”
Renewed Offensive After Failed Ceasefire
Israel launched its renewed Gaza offensive on March 18, blaming Hamas for rejecting a US proposal to extend the ceasefire and free 59 hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas accused Israel of violating their original January agreement.
UNICEF reported “relentless bombardments” with 100 children killed or maimed daily between March 21-31. Most victims were displaced children sheltering in makeshift tents or damaged homes.
Disputed Casualty Figures
UNICEF uses figures from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry – figures Israel disputes but which the UN and other international institutions consider reliable.
International journalists cannot enter Gaza independently to verify figures from either side.
Israel’s Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told the BBC it is “committed to mitigating civilian harm” and “respecting all applicable international legal obligations.”
It said it “makes great efforts to consider potential civilian collateral damage in its strikes.”
Impact on Gaza’s Children
Since the war began 18 months ago, UNICEF reports 15,000 children killed, 34,000 injured, and nearly one million repeatedly displaced.
The humanitarian situation has worsened with Israel blocking aid to Gaza since March 2 – the longest such blockage of the war.
“Without essential supplies, malnutrition, diseases and preventable conditions will likely surge,” UNICEF warned.
UN Reduces Operations
The UN reduced its Gaza operations on March 24, after eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence responders and a UN staff member were killed by Israeli forces.
Conflict Background
The IDF campaign against Hamas began following the October 7, 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage.
Over 50,399 people have been killed in Gaza during the war, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.