The United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, on Tuesday reported that over 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the October ceasefire, with many victims falling to drone and quadcopter attacks.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder briefed reporters via video link from Gaza, stating, “More than 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire of early October. Survival remains conditional. While bombings and shootings have decreased, they have not stopped.”
He noted that of the victims, approximately 60 were boys and 40 were girls, with nearly all deaths resulting from military attacks, including airstrikes, drone strikes, tank shelling, gunfire, and quadcopter attacks. A smaller number of deaths were caused by unexploded remnants of war.
Elder emphasized that the current tally is likely an underestimate, as it only includes deaths for which sufficient information was available. He warned that children in Gaza continue to face extreme risks even during periods of relative calm, as access to medical care, food, water, and safe shelter remains limited.
“The situation for children in Gaza remains precarious. Even during the ceasefire, families live under constant fear, and any escalation could have devastating consequences,” Elder added.
UNICEF has called on all parties to ensure the protection of children, urging that international humanitarian laws be fully respected to prevent further loss of innocent lives. The agency continues to provide support for affected children and their families, including emergency healthcare, psychosocial services, and safe spaces for children to recover from the trauma of conflict.