© UNICEF/M. Natil Palestinian boys celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire in October 2025. Gaza: 300 children died in 300 days of “truce” Peace and Security
In the 300 days since a cessation of hostilities agreement between Hamas militants and the Israel Defense Forces came into force last October, at least 300 children have reportedly died in the Gaza Strip. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced this on Thursday.
UNICEF emphasized that families are now forced to huddle on approximately one-third of the sector’s territory – among destroyed buildings and rubble.
“The truce does not live up to expectations”
“A truce in which on average one child is killed every day does not live up to the hopes of children,” said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Eduard Beigbeder.
“Hundreds of children were injured, many seriously, and the children of Gaza remain are waiting for the cessation of violence they promised,” he added.
Commenting on reports of peace plan negotiations, a UN agency spokesman welcomed recent statements about “steps towards an end to hostilities” and an increase in humanitarian supplies help.
“For the children of Gaza, the criterion is simple: will the killings stop? Will sufficient help reach them? Will hospitals resume work and will there be water? Will children be able to safely return to school in September?” – said Beigbeder.
According to him, the agreements must finally be translated into real actions. enclave children continue to suffer from acute malnutrition, disease, and the lack of safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. to the population.
However, despite attempts to expand the scope of support, UNICEF health workers say that exhausted mothers with children suffering from severe malnutrition continue to arrive at clinics.
Another consequence of the chronic lack of care has been an increase in the number of premature births and newborns in critical condition.
“Incubators are in short supply, and in some cases medics report that two or even three babies are sharing one machine,” said UNICEF representative Louise Wateridge.
Babies are being born in partially functioning hospitals where there is a lack of equipment and medicine.
“This is what the world has decided to put up with. The killings must stop, sufficient aid must flow, and children must be protected,” Wateridge said.
“The world calls it a truce, but families in Gaza are still burying their children,” added the UNICEF representative.
With reference to health authorities in Gaza, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that since the ceasefire was declared on 10 October 2025, the total number of people killed was 1,209 and the number of injured was 3,943.
Amid ongoing violence, the UN and its partners continue to provide assistance to residents of the sector. More than 250,000 preschool and school-aged children are participating in summer learning activities that help them maintain a sense of stability and also make up for some of the knowledge lost during the fighting.
Last week, conditions were improved in 3,000 temporary shelters in Gaza City.