Israel killed 100 children in Gaza despite ceasefire: UN
UN says Israeli strikes continue killing children during truce, raising questions over protection, accountability and humanitarian access
GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) — At least 100 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza by Israeli air and ground attacks since a fragile ceasefire began three months ago, the United Nations said, underscoring what it described as the ongoing failure to protect civilians even during a truce.
UNICEF said at least 60 boys and 40 girls were killed in the besieged enclave since early October, despite international claims that hostilities had eased.
Speaking from Gaza City, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said the confirmed toll likely underestimates the true scale of child deaths.
“More than 100 children have been killed during a ceasefire,” Elder told reporters in Geneva, adding that Israeli airstrikes, tank shelling, drone attacks and live fire continue to claim young lives almost daily.
He said children were being killed by warplanes, suicide drones, quadcopters and heavy artillery, stressing that a ceasefire that merely reduces bombing but still results in child deaths “is not enough.”
Gaza’s health ministry reported an even higher figure, saying 165 children were killed during the ceasefire period, part of a total 442 fatalities recorded since the truce took effect.
Officials also said at least seven children have died from cold exposure since the start of the year due to displacement and lack of shelter, managed by Israel.
Elder warned that Israel’s prolonged genocide has inflicted deep and lasting psychological trauma on Gaza’s children, leaving fear, anxiety and untreated mental harm that worsens with each passing day.
U.N. figures show nearly 80% of Gaza’s buildings have been destroyed or damaged after more than two years of Israeli bombardment, while local authorities say over 70,000 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023.
The U.N. official also sharply criticized Israel’s decision to suspend dozens of international aid agencies from entering Gaza earlier this month, calling the move a direct threat to civilian survival.
“Blocking humanitarian organizations means blocking life-saving assistance,” Elder said, warning that aid reaching Gaza remains far below what is needed, even as conditions deteriorate.
He further questioned Israel’s ban on foreign journalists and aid groups, suggesting it raises concerns about restricting scrutiny of the suffering endured by Gaza’s children.
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