Gaza:Geneva The Israeli occupation forces have reportedly killed more than 340 children and injured hundreds of others in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was announced, as stated by UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires during a weekly press briefing at the United Nations Office.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, despite the ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued, contributing to the high number of casualties. In the last two weeks alone, five boys and two girls were killed, and at least 33 children have sustained serious injuries. Additionally, two children succumbed to injuries sustained earlier.
Pires highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, with approximately 800,000 children displaced, many of whom are living in tents or bombed-out buildings. An estimated 60,000 children have lost one or both parents due to the conflict, and nearly all children require mental health support to recover from the trauma.
The ceasefire has led to some improvements, such as more than 560,000 children returning to education, including at over 200 UNICEF-supported learning centers. However, essential services remain largely inoperative, and the humanitarian needs far exceed the available funding.
In a related statement, World Health Organization spokesperson Tarik Jašarevic confirmed a medical evacuation from Gaza on October 12, emphasizing the United Nations' commitment to facilitating such evacuations to provide necessary medical care not available within the Strip.