Unicef Reports 322 Children Killed in Gaza Amid Renewed Offensive

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached new levels of devastation, with Unicef reporting that at least 322 children have been killed since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18. In addition, 609 children have been injured in the ongoing conflict, as relentless airstrikes and military operations continue to take a heavy toll on civilians.

The Collapse of the Ceasefire

The brief ceasefire between Israel and Hamas had provided a temporary reprieve for Gaza’s civilians, particularly its children. However, hopes for a lasting peace were shattered when Israel launched a renewed offensive, blaming Hamas for rejecting a proposed extension of the ceasefire and the release of 59 remaining hostages. Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the terms of the original agreement made in January.

Since the ceasefire collapsed, violence has escalated, leading to a sharp increase in casualties. Unicef has described the situation as a "cycle of deadly violence and deprivation" that continues to disproportionately affect children.

Relentless Bombardment and Civilian Casualties

According to Unicef, Israeli airstrikes and military operations have resulted in an average of 100 children being killed or injured every day between March 18 and March 31. Most of the children affected were already displaced and living in makeshift shelters or damaged buildings, making them especially vulnerable to the intensified attacks.

The figures reported by Unicef are based on data from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. While Israel has frequently challenged these numbers, they are considered reliable by international organizations, including the UN. However, due to Israel’s restrictions on international journalists entering Gaza, independent verification remains difficult.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have maintained that they are taking measures to minimize civilian casualties and adhere to international laws governing armed conflict. In response to Unicef’s report, the IDF stated that it carefully evaluates the potential for civilian harm before conducting military operations.

The Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has continued to deteriorate, exacerbated by Israel’s decision to block aid shipments since March 2. This marks the longest period without humanitarian assistance since the conflict began, leaving nearly one million displaced children without access to essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medical care.

Unicef has warned that without immediate relief, malnutrition, disease, and preventable conditions will claim even more lives in the coming weeks. The lack of humanitarian aid has made it nearly impossible for medical teams to treat the thousands of injured, further worsening the crisis.

On March 24, the United Nations announced that it was reducing its operations in Gaza, citing the increasing dangers faced by aid workers. Just a day before this decision, eight Palestinian medics, six Civil Defence first responders, and a UN staff member were killed in an Israeli attack in southern Gaza.

The War’s Devastating Toll

Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages, the violence has only escalated. In response, Israel has pursued a relentless military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, the UK, and other nations.

The reported death toll in Gaza now exceeds 50,399 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry. The number of children killed has surpassed 15,000, with more than 34,000 injured. Many of these children have been displaced multiple times, forced to seek shelter in increasingly unsafe conditions.

A Desperate Plea for Peace

Unicef and other humanitarian organizations continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Catherine Russell, Unicef’s Executive Director, has emphasized the urgent need for action to protect the children caught in the conflict.

“The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza's children and hope for a path to recovery,” Russell said. “But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation.”

As the war rages on, the suffering of Gaza’s children serves as a grim reminder of the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict. The international community faces mounting pressure to push for diplomatic solutions that prioritize humanitarian needs and the protection of innocent civilians.

For now, the fate of Gaza’s children remains uncertain as the violence continues to escalate, and humanitarian conditions reach catastrophic levels.