In a stark revelation, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, has highlighted the devastating toll of the ongoing war in Gaza on children. Lazzarini stated that the number of children killed in just over four months in Gaza exceeds the number of children killed in conflicts worldwide over a span of four years.
According to United Nations data, between 2019 and 2022, a total of 12,193 children lost their lives in conflicts around the world. Comparatively, reports from the health ministry in Gaza, which is under Hamas control, indicated that more than 12,300 children died in the Palestinian territory between October and February alone.
Lazzarini’s remarks underscore the harrowing reality faced by children in Gaza, where they are not only caught in the crossfire but also become direct targets of the conflict. He described the situation as a “war on children,” emphasizing the impact on their childhood and future prospects.
The conflict escalated with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,160 deaths in Israel, predominantly civilians, according to figures provided by Israeli authorities. The attack also saw around 250 individuals taken hostage by militants, with some released during a temporary ceasefire in November. However, an estimated 130 captives, including 32 presumed dead, are believed to remain in Gaza.
In response to Hamas’s actions, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes and ground offensives, resulting in significant casualties among Palestinians in Gaza. The territory’s health ministry reported that 31,184 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed as a result of Israel’s military operations.
The ongoing conflict has left communities in Gaza devastated, with families torn apart and children bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged both sides to prioritize the protection of civilians, especially children, who are the most vulnerable in times of war.
Efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire and facilitate negotiations for a peaceful resolution to the conflict remain ongoing, but the toll on innocent lives continues to rise. As the world grapples with the devastating impact of the war in Gaza, there is a pressing need for concerted international action to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of civilians, particularly children, caught in the midst of this humanitarian crisis.
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