Israeli War’s Impact on Gaza Children Escalating

Thousands more have been injured, and the situation continues to worsen as nearly 1.9 million people, half of them children, face severe displacement and a lack of basic necessities.

The Gaza Strip is witnessing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale, with children bearing the brunt of the Israeli violence. More than 14,000 children have been killed, and thousands have been injured, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The entire population of Gaza's children is now exposed to the traumatic realities of a genocidal war, experiences that will have lifelong consequences.

Approximately 1.9 million people, representing around 90% of Gaza’s population, have been internally displaced, with half of them being children. These displaced individuals face severe shortages of water, food, fuel, and medicine, as their homes have been destroyed, and their families torn apart. Many children have been displaced multiple times, losing not just their homes, but also parents and loved ones. Protection of these children, along with the remaining essential services such as medical facilities and shelters, is critical.

UNICEF is calling for an immediate and lasting humanitarian ceasefire, emphasizing the need for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Gaza. The organization demands the opening of all access crossings, the safe movement of humanitarian workers and supplies, and the availability of reliable telecommunications networks to coordinate relief efforts.

UNICEF also stresses the urgent need for the immediate, safe, and unconditional release of all abducted children and an end to all grave violations against children, including killing and maiming. The organization calls for the respect and protection of civilian infrastructure, such as shelters, schools, and health facilities, to prevent further loss of civilian and children's lives and to curb the spread of diseases.