Save the Children highlighted the "intensity of this conflict and its catastrophic toll on children." Rachel Cummings, Save the Children's Humanitarian Director in Gaza, described the relentless bombardment and the constant fear faced by children.
Since Israel's assault on Gaza began in October last year, more than 16,700 children have died, making up over a third of the total death toll of 43,341 confirmed by health officials. Cummings, speaking from Deir el-Balah, pointed out that these figures do not include approximately 20,000 children who are missing or unaccompanied.
Israel's month-long siege in northern Gaza has claimed over 1,000 lives, restricted aid, and strained health services. Cummings described the humanitarian crisis, saying, "Food and water are insufficient, and supply convoys are blocked. The situation is catastrophic." Dr. Hussam Abu Safia from Kamal Adwan Hospital reported overwhelming numbers of casualties and called for urgent international intervention to allow medical supplies and specialists into Gaza.
UNICEF said that children died in an Israeli airstrike that destroyed two residential buildings. Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, called this another "dark chapter" in the conflict. A UNICEF staff member on a vaccination campaign was also targeted by a quadcopter.
WHO reported that Israeli forces dropped a stun grenade on a Gaza City vaccination center, injuring four children despite a humanitarian pause. Israel's offensive followed a Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed over 1,100 people and led to 240 captives being taken, fueling the "war of revenge."
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