Since 7 October 2023, 195 Palestinian children and three Israeli children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. UNICEF is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the West Bank Peace and Security
In the first two and a half months of 2025, 13 Palestinian children have been killed in the West Bank, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edward Beigbeder said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“Conflict-related violence continues to bring death and fear to civilians, including women and children in the West Bank,” the statement said.
According to Eduard Beigbeder, on February 7, a 10-year-old Palestinian boy died from wounds sustained in a shelling attack, and two days later, a nine-month pregnant woman was shot dead along with her unborn child in the Nur Shams camp.
“In total, since October 7, 2023, 195 Palestinian children and three Israeli children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” the statement said. – The number of Palestinian children killed in the territory has increased by 200 percent in the past 16 months compared with the previous 16 months.”
UNICEF said intensive shelling and airstrikes in Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas, including in refugee camps and other densely populated areas, have caused severe damage to basic infrastructure and disrupted water and electricity supplies.
“Children and their families in the northern West Bank, particularly in refugee camps, continue to face incredible hardship,” said UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. – Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes due to recent military operations, including in Jenin, Nur Shams, Tulkarem and Al-Faraa camps.”
In around 100 schools in the West Bank, teachers and students are unable to attend classes safely, further exacerbating psychological and social stress. Many children living in the affected areas are in urgent need of mental health and psychosocial support.
“UNICEF condemns all acts of violence against children and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities throughout the occupied West Bank,” the statement said. “All civilians, including all children, must be protected.”