Gaza Children Suffer as Israeli Offensive Intensifies, Says UNRWA

The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, describing the area as “no land for children” amid escalating Israeli military operations. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini pointed to UNICEF data that indicates at least 100 children are killed or injured every day since Israel resumed its offensive against Hamas on March 18, following the collapse of a temporary ceasefire.

“The ceasefire earlier this year gave Gaza’s children a chance to survive,” Lazzarini said. “Now, the war is robbing them of their childhood. This is a stain on our humanity.” He once again for an immediate ceasefire and urged global intervention to protect civilians.

According to a report from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the situation in Gaza is devastating, with nearly 18,000 children reported killed since October 7, 2023. This figure includes 274 newborns and 876 infants under one year old, along with 52 deaths due to starvation. Health officials have stated that the total number of Palestinians killed has exceeded 50,600, with women and children representing the largest portion of the casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel will be increasing military operations in Gaza. At the same time, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, for war crimes and crimes against humanity.