300 CHILDREN KILLED IN GAZA DURING 300-DAY CEASEFIRE, UNICEF SAYS

At least 300 children have been killed in Gaza over roughly 300 days since a ceasefire was announced on 10 October 2025, according to UNICEF. The United Nations children's agency reported an average of one child death per day in a statement issued on Thursday. Hundreds more children have been wounded, many severely, UNICEF said, as it called on parties to a proposed US-led peace plan to implement their commitments.

Families in Gaza are now confined to approximately one-third of the enclave, sheltering among destroyed buildings and rubble, according to UNICEF. Children continue to face acute malnutrition, disease, unsafe water and damaged sanitation systems. A shortage of incubators has resulted in some premature newborns sharing machines. UNICEF reported that more than 58,000 children have lost one or both parents since October 2023, whilst more than one million children require protection and psychosocial support.

Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated that "a ceasefire that leaves an average of one child dead each and every day is failing children". The agency has previously estimated approximately 17,000 children are unaccompanied or separated from their families, describing this as one of the largest child protection crises globally. Many families face repeated displacement, loss of income and limited access to healthcare, education and protection services.