The United Nations has warned that the Gaza Strip has become a tragic cemetery for thousands of children, with fears that even more may die from dehydration. The Israeli bombardment of Gaza, which began on October 7 after Hamas militants crossed the border, has resulted in the deaths of 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of at least 240 others, according to Israeli officials. The health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas, has reported that the strikes have killed over 8,500 people, the majority of whom are civilians.
UNICEF, the UN children’s agency, expressed concern that the number of child deaths directly caused by the bombardment could soon be surpassed. “Our worst fears about the reported numbers of children killed, starting from dozens and eventually reaching thousands, have been realized in just two weeks,” said UNICEF spokesman James Elder in a statement. He added, “The numbers are shocking, with over 3,450 children reportedly killed, and this figure continues to rise significantly every day. Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children. It is a living nightmare for everyone else.”
Elder also highlighted the critical water shortage in Gaza, stating that the region’s water production capacity is now only five percent of its normal daily output. He warned that child deaths, particularly among infants, due to dehydration are becoming an increasing threat. UNICEF is urgently calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, along with the opening of all access crossings into Gaza for the safe and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid, including water, food, medical supplies, and fuel.
“If there is no ceasefire, no water, no medicine, and no release of abducted children, we will witness even greater horrors affecting innocent children,” stated Elder. He emphasized the dire need for greater humanitarian access into Gaza, as the reported deaths from the attacks could merely be the tip of the iceberg.
Elder also revealed that according to health authorities in Gaza, approximately 940 children are missing. The UN’s humanitarian agency spokesman, Jens Laerke, added that the thought of children buried under rubble with limited chances of being rescued is almost unbearable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that people in Gaza are not just dying from direct bombardment but are also facing an imminent public health catastrophe due to mass displacement, overcrowding, and damage to water and sanitation infrastructure. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier shared that there are currently 130 premature infants dependent on incubators, with approximately 61 percent of them located in the northern part of Gaza.
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