Gaza City: More than 180 Palestinian children were reportedly killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza in a single day amid a deadly onslaught on the enclave, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated on Thursday. The agency highlighted the escalating violence and its devastating impact on civilians, particularly children, in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the UNRWA did not specify the exact date when the children were killed but emphasized the urgent need to restore the ceasefire to prevent further large-scale loss of life. The Israeli army launched a surprise aerial campaign on the Gaza Strip on March 18, resulting in 855 deaths, nearly 1,900 injuries, and the collapse of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January.
The UN estimated that approximately 124,000 Palestinians have been displaced since Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza. The UNRWA expressed concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis, stating, “Families in Gaza are being forced to flee in search of safety once again. At the same time, the ongoing siege is worsening the humanitarian crisis. Civilians must be respected and protected. At all times. Everywhere.”
UNRWA Communications Director Juliette Touma reported a severe shortage of essential supplies due to an Israeli blockade. “Since 2 March, no food, no water, no medicines, and no commercial supplies have been allowed into Gaza due to the ban by Israel,” she said, describing it as the longest blockade since the war began. Touma warned of the dire consequences, stating that “every day with no supplies means children go to bed hungry.”
More than 50,200 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed, and over 113,900 injured in the ongoing Israeli military offensive on Gaza since October 2023. In response to the conflict, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.