UNICEF reports over 340 Gaza children killed despite year-long ceasefire

According to UNICEF, more than 340 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire was announced just over a year ago. The agency reported that in the past fortnight five boys and two girls lost their lives, while at least 33 children were seriously wounded by Israeli air strikes, drone attacks and gunfire. Two additional boys later died from injuries sustained earlier.

UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires said about 800,000 children are still displaced, most staying in tents or damaged structures, and roughly 60,000 have lost one or both parents, creating a massive need for mental-health support. All six of Gaza’s wastewater treatment plants are non-operational, causing raw sewage to flow into the sea, and the half-full Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin threatens overflow with upcoming rains. Pires urged Israeli authorities to permit the entry of equipment, spare parts, generators and fuel to restore essential services and to honor the ceasefire.