UNICEF reports a ‘horrific level of child deaths’ in northern Gaza as Israel’s month-long siege continues. More than 50 children were killed in the last 48 hours at Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, according to UNICEF, with Save the Children noting this high toll reflects the ‘intensity of this conflict and its impact on children.’
‘Children are facing relentless bombardment and constant fear,’ Rachel Cummings, Humanitarian Director and Team Lead in Gaza for Save the Children, told Al Jazeera. Palestinian officials report over 16,700 children have died since Israel’s assault on Gaza began in October last year more than a third of the 43,341 total confirmed deaths, according to health authorities.
From Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Cummings shared that casualty figures among children do not include approximately 20,000 who are missing or unaccompanied. Over the past month, Israel’s siege of northern Gaza has resulted in more than 1,000 additional deaths, while food, medical aid, and health facilities remain heavily restricted.