In brief
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as UNICEF reports significant casualties among children due to renewed violence, highlighting a dire need for humanitarian aid and protection for civilians.
At least 322 children have been reported killed in Gaza since Israel intensified its military operations two weeks ago, according to UNICEF. The agency also stated that over 609 other children sustained injuries during this period. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell lamented the grave situation, saying, “The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza's children and hope for a path to recovery.” However, she added that children are again ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence and deprivation.Israel commenced its renewed offensive on March 18, attributing its actions to Hamas's failure to agree to a US-backed proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire and securing the release of 59 hostages. In contrast, Hamas accused Israel of breaching their original agreement reached in January. According to UNICEF, the last 10 days have witnessed “relentless and indiscriminate bombardments," resulting in approximately 100 children killed or injured each day, primarily among those displaced and taking refuge in makeshift shelters or damaged homes.UNICEF relies on data from Gaza’s Hamas-led health ministry, which has been disputed by Israel, yet is considered credible by the UN and other international organizations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted to the BBC that they are committed to minimizing civilian harm during military operations and adhering to international legal standards, claiming to take considerable precautions to limit collateral damage.In the more than 18 months since the conflict began, UNICEF reported that around 15,000 children have been killed and over 34,000 injured, with nearly a million children displaced multiple times. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, Israel has failed to permit aid into Gaza since March 2, marking the longest aid blockade since the conflict's onset. UNICEF warned that without essential supplies, there is a substantial risk of increased malnutrition and preventable deaths among children.The UN announced a reduction in operations in Gaza following a tragic incident on March 24, when Israeli forces killed eight Palestinian medics and a UN staff member in southern Gaza. The IDF’s military campaign against Hamas was triggered by a large-scale cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The Hamas-run health ministry claims that more than 50,399 individuals have died in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.
