Gaza: more than 100 children killed despite ceasefire, according to UNICEF

More than 100 Palestinian children have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the announcement of a ceasefire in early October, an average of one child per day. This is the alert launched in Geneva by UNICEFwhich denounces a situation that is still deadly for civilians. “Life in Gaza remains stifling. Survival remains conditional,” said James Elder, spokesperson for the UN agency, stressing that although the bombings and shootings have slowed, “they have not stopped”.

According to UNICEF, at least 60 boys and 40 girls are among the victims recorded since the ceasefire, a toll probably underestimated due to a lack of complete information. Hundreds of children were also injured. James Elder spoke of the case of Abid Al Rahman, 9 years old, who was seriously injured in the eye by shrapnel while collecting wood with other children in Khan Younis. The metal fragment is still lodged in his body.

Restrictions on essential goods persist, including medicines, fuel and equipment for clean water and sanitation. After two years of war, the children of Gaza live in permanent fear, without appropriate psychological care.

“A ceasefire that slows down the bombs is progress. But a ceasefire that continues to bury children is not acceptable,” UNICEF concluded, calling for the effective implementation of the truce, the opening of humanitarian access and accountability mechanisms.