Over a hundred children have been killed in Gaza since the declaration of a ceasefire: UNICEFIs this conversation helpful so far?

Since the onset of the ceasefire in Gaza last October, more than one hundred children have tragically lost their lives in Israeli attacks, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Many of these fatalities are reported to have resulted from drone and quadcopter strikes, highlighting the persistent dangers faced by young civilians in the region.

James Elder, UNICEF’s spokesperson, addressed journalists in Geneva on Tuesday, stressing the ongoing risks despite the apparent reduction in hostilities. He said, “While airstrikes and gunfire have slowed during the ceasefire, the threat has by no means disappeared. Children’s chances of survival remain conditional and precarious.”

Speaking to reporters from Gaza City, Elder provided further grim details: “These children have been killed by aerial attacks, drone strikes, and even attacks involving explosive drones. We can state with certainty that more than 100 children have perished. The actual figure may be significantly higher.”

Elder also shared the gender breakdown of the victims:

Officials from Gaza’s Ministry of Health, who maintain records of casualties, reported slightly higher numbers. According to Zaher Al-Wahidi, Director of the Ministry’s Computer Division, “During the period of the ceasefire, 165 children have been killed. Additionally, seven children have died from cold-related illnesses since the start of this year.”

Elder emphasised the long-term impact of the conflict on Gaza’s youngest residents. “Over the course of more than two years of sustained conflict, the lives of children in Gaza have been catastrophically affected. They continue to live under constant fear, and the psychological trauma they endure remains largely untreated. The longer the conflict persists, the deeper and more difficult it becomes to heal these wounds.”

The UNICEF spokesperson concluded by warning that peace agreements alone are insufficient to prevent further child fatalities unless urgent measures are taken to protect civilians from the ongoing threats posed by air and drone strikes.