The United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF) announced on Friday that at least 67 children have died in Gaza since the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began. Dozens more young people have suffered injuries, consequently averaging almost two children tragically lost every single day the truce officially holds, spokesperson Ricardo Pires informed reporters in Geneva.
UNICEF previously reported that an Israeli airstrike in eastern Khan Younis in southern Gaza killed a baby girl along with her mother and father on Thursday. Furthermore, Israeli airstrikes killed seven children across both Gaza City and the southern region just one day earlier on Wednesday.
Medical Teams Detail Post-Ceasefire Injuries
Meanwhile, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, confirmed on Friday that their medical teams have treated women and children wounded by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes this week. Since Wednesday, medical staff in northern and southern Gaza have actively treated patients suffering severe open fractures and gunshot wounds to their heads and limbs. MSF delivered this crucial medical care across hospitals and clinics in Gaza City in the north and the southern town of Rafah.
Consequently, a nurse in Gaza reported that an Israeli drone’s gunfire injured a nine-year-old girl, forcing doctors to treat her facial wounds at a Gaza City hospital on Wednesday.
When Reuters contacted the Israeli military for this story, the officials offered no immediate comment regarding the recent casualty reports. Nevertheless, the military has previously stated they actively avoid intentionally targeting innocent civilians during their operations.
Control and Conflict Status
The existing ceasefire agreement mandated Israel’s military retreat to a so-called “yellow line,” enabling them to retain control over fifty-three percent of the Gaza Strip. Hamas currently controls Gaza City, which stands as the enclave’s largest urban center, but Israeli forces control the critical area of Rafah.
Despite both sides frequently accusing the other of ceasefire violations, the agreement technically still remains formally in effect today. Furthermore, the Israeli military has killed 312 Palestinians in Gaza since 11 October, according to data released by the Gaza Health Ministry.
