GENEVA: More than 340 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced, while hundreds more have been injured, UNICEF has said, warning that the truce has failed to shield children from the devastating effects of the conflict.
The United Nations Children’s Fund said on Friday that children across the Palestinian territory continued to face serious risks from air strikes, drone attacks and gunfire, despite the ceasefire.
“For families mourning the loss of their children, those terrible statistics do not equate with a ceasefire,” UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires told reporters in Geneva.
The agency reported that five boys and two girls had been killed in Gaza over the preceding two weeks. At least 33 children were seriously injured in attacks during the same period, while two other boys died from injuries sustained earlier.
The figures highlight the continuing dangers facing Gaza’s youngest residents, many of whom have already endured prolonged displacement, the loss of family members and the destruction of their homes.
According to UNICEF, around 800,000 children remain displaced, with many living in tents or damaged buildings. An estimated 60,000 children have lost one or both parents during the war or since the ceasefire was announced.
The agency also warned that nearly every child in Gaza needs some form of mental health support to recover from the trauma of the conflict.
UNICEF urged all parties to respect the ceasefire, comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and fulfil their obligations under international humanitarian law.
The organisation stressed that protecting children must involve more than keeping them alive. They also need safe shelter, healthcare, education, opportunities to play and the chance to reconnect with friends and family.
“Gaza’s children have suffered far too much, for far too long,” the agency said.
Humanitarian access remains another major concern. UNICEF warned that reported disruptions involving private traders and commercial trucks carrying food could further restrict the flow of essential supplies into Gaza.
Pires cautioned against a return to the conditions that preceded the ceasefire, when supplies were unable to enter the territory and famine had been declared by UN-backed food security experts.
Despite the challenges, UNICEF said it had helped more than 560,000 children return to learning through initiatives including over 200 supported learning centres. It has also provided digital cash assistance to more than 380,000 people and safe water to 1.2 million.
The agency called for uninterrupted humanitarian and commercial deliveries, warning that Gaza’s recovery depends on sustained support and meaningful protection for its children.
