Over 340 Palestinian children killed in Gaza since ceasefire: Unicef

More than 340 Palestinian children have reportedly been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire was announced just over a year ago. This shows that violence and danger have continued despite the ceasefire.

During the past two weeks, reports recorded seven child deaths: five boys and two girls. At least 33 children were seriously injured in Israeli air strikes, drone strikes, and gunfire. Two additional boys died from earlier injuries.

These figures explain why UNICEF said Gaza’s children are not experiencing a ceasefire as most people imagine. About 800,000 children remain displaced, and nearly all need mental health support. Continuing casualties and unsafe living conditions make protection, medical care, and basic services urgent.

A ceasefire is an agreed pause or reduction in fighting between opposing sides. It matters because it should stop attacks, protect civilians, and allow aid and repairs. But announcing one does not guarantee every attack ends.

In Gaza, Unicef said more than 340 Palestinian children were killed after a ceasefire was announced just over a year earlier. In the past two weeks, five boys and two girls were reportedly killed in air strikes, drone strikes, and gunfire. At least 33 children were seriously injured, while two boys died from earlier injuries. These reports show violence can continue when ceasefire commitments are not upheld, while previous wounds remain deadly.

The crisis remains severe: about 800,000 children are displaced, and an estimated 60,000 have lost one or both parents. All six wastewater treatment plants are out of service, creating health risks. Upholding the ceasefire and allowing equipment, fuel, and repairs into Gaza are essential for safety and recovery.

Children in Gaza were reported killed or injured by Israeli air strikes, drone strikes, and gunfire. These attacks show that serious violence continued despite the announced ceasefire, according to UNICEF.

In the two weeks before UNICEF’s statement, five boys and two girls were reported killed. At least 33 children were seriously injured in those same air strikes, drone strikes, and shooting incidents. Two additional boys later died from earlier injuries.

UNICEF said more than 340 Palestinian children have been killed since the ceasefire was announced just over a year earlier. Around 800,000 children remain displaced, and many live in tents or damaged buildings. The figures suggest children still face deadly attacks and unsafe living conditions, rather than the protection normally associated with a ceasefire.

UNICEF is the United Nations agency dedicated to protecting children and supporting their rights worldwide. In conflicts, it gathers information, documents harm, and urges authorities to protect children and allow lifesaving aid.

In Gaza, UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires reported that over 340 Palestinian children had been killed since the ceasefire announcement. UNICEF also described 800,000 displaced children and called for materials, generators, fuel, and spare parts to restore essential services.

This work connects evidence-based reporting with practical pressure and humanitarian support. UNICEF says nearly all children need mental health support, while Gaza’s six wastewater plants remain out of service, creating further health risks. Its field work can support health, education, water, and protection. Its warnings help governments and aid partners prioritize urgent action, although access restrictions can limit response.

Displacement and damaged homes leave children without safety, stability, or basic services. Losing parents adds grief and removes care, protection, and emotional support.

About 800,000 Palestinian children remain displaced, many living in tents or damaged buildings. Around 60,000 have lost one or both parents, while nearly all children need some mental health support. These conditions can expose children to winter weather, unsafe surroundings, and prolonged distress.

The crisis is continuing, not ending with the announced ceasefire. Gaza’s children face a fourth winter, while all six wastewater treatment plants remain out of service. With raw sewage mostly pumped into the sea, damaged housing and displacement also increase health risks. Restoring homes, clean water systems, and family support is essential to protect children’s health and future.

The report describes two vast forms of harm facing Gaza’s children: displacement and the loss of parents. About 800,000 children remain displaced, while an estimated 60,000 have lost one or both parents. These figures matter because they show that the reported ceasefire has not brought children safety or stability.

Most displaced children are living in tents or damaged buildings, rather than secure homes. This leaves families exposed to harsh weather and failing services; all six wastewater plants are out of operation. Nearly all children also need some form of mental health support, reflecting the conflict’s lasting emotional damage.

Children now face a fourth winter in dire conditions, according to Unicef spokesperson Ricardo Pires. The Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin could overflow into residential areas, and necessary draining equipment has not entered Gaza. The numbers point to an ongoing humanitarian emergency, requiring shelter, essential supplies, functioning services, and protection for children.

Clean water and safe sewage systems stop human waste from contaminating water, food, and living areas. Fuel powers pumps, treatment equipment, generators, and emergency services. Drainage prevents polluted floodwater from spreading germs through homes and crowded shelters.

In Gaza, all six wastewater treatment plants are out of service, so most raw sewage is pumped into the sea. The Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin is half full and could overflow into residential areas during winter rains. Flooding could carry sewage and other contaminants into places where displaced families live, increasing disease risks.

This is especially dangerous because about 800,000 children remain displaced, many in tents or damaged buildings. UNICEF says Gaza’s children face a fourth winter in dire conditions. The basin could be drained within two weeks, but Israel has not allowed necessary equipment into Gaza. Materials, spare parts, generators, and fuel are needed to restore services and reduce health risks.