Gaza: The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported that at least 322 children have been killed in Gaza in the past two weeks following the resumption of Israeli military operations. Additionally, 609 children have been injured during this period.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized that the recent ceasefire had provided Gaza's children with a much-needed opportunity to rebuild their lives. However, she expressed deep concern over the renewed violence, stating, "Once again, children are being subjected to deadly violence and deprivation."
Israeli forces resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18, citing Hamas' alleged refusal to extend the ceasefire and release 59 hostages held in Gaza. Conversely, Hamas has claimed that Israel violated the ceasefire agreement established in January.
According to UNICEF, "indiscriminate bombardment" has resumed, leading to hundreds of child casualties in the ten days leading up to March 31. The majority of the children killed were displaced and residing in makeshift shelters or damaged buildings.
UNICEF relies on data provided by Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health, which Israel has consistently dismissed as unreliable. However, the United Nations and other international organizations consider these figures credible.
It is important to note that Israel has restricted independent international journalists from entering Gaza, making it difficult to independently verify casualty figures provided by either Israel or Hamas.
Since the war began 18 months ago, UNICEF estimates that approximately 15,000 children have been killed and 34,000 wounded in Gaza.
