In brief
In a grim update, UNICEF disclosed that at least 322 children have lost their lives since Israel's renewed offensive in Gaza, with the humanitarian situation worsening significantly as aid remains blocked.
At least 322 children have been reported killed during the past two weeks of renewed violence in Gaza, according to UNICEF. The agency also stated that approximately 609 other children have been wounded since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that the recent ceasefire had offered a "desperately needed lifeline for Gaza's children," which has been shattered by the ongoing violence. Israel initiated the offensive, blaming Hamas for rebuffing a new U.S. proposal aimed at extending a ceasefire and releasing 59 hostages held in Gaza. Conversely, Hamas has accused Israel of violating previous agreements established in January. UNICEF highlighted the "relentless and indiscriminate bombardments" in Gaza, noting that about 100 children were either killed or injured daily in the days leading up to March 31. Many of the victims were displaced individuals seeking shelter in temporary tents or damaged residences. The agency relies on figures from Gaza's health ministry, which is administered by Hamas—data that Israel disputes but is considered valuable by the UN and international observers. Journalists are currently barred from verifying these figures independently. In response to inquiries, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted their commitment to minimize civilian casualties during operations while adhering to international law. However, UNICEF has reported that since the onset of the conflict over 18 months ago, approximately 15,000 children have been killed, over 34,000 injured, and nearly one million displaced. The humanitarian scenario in Gaza has sharply deteriorated recently, with Israel imposing restrictions on aid deliveries since March 2, marking the longest aid blockade in the ongoing conflict. UNICEF warned that the absence of essential supplies could trigger spikes in malnutrition and diseases, potentially leading to more child fatalities.On March 24, the UN announced a reduction in operations within Gaza following the deaths of eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence responders, and a UN worker. The IDF’s latest campaign against Hamas was initiated in reaction to a cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and left 251 hostages. Since then, more than 50,399 fatalities have been reported in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict, according to health officials in the region.
