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UNICEF Reports 265 Palestinian Children Killed Since Gaza Ceasefire, Calls Truce a Deadly Illusion
UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to safeguarding children worldwide, announced on Friday that 265 Palestinian children have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip since a ceasefire was declared on 10 October 2025. The organization labeled the truce a "deadly illusion," arguing that violence has persisted in the enclave.
During a press briefing, UNICEF spokesman James Elder revealed that more than 90 % of the children killed were victims of Israeli attacks. He detailed that the children were struck in homes, schools, football fields, fishing areas, and even inside tents. "These children were not killed in a war zone," Elder said. "They were killed in their homes, in their schools, playing football, fishing. They were shot, bombed, struck by quadcopters."
Elder cited a daily average of one child death since the ceasefire began. He also reported that over 400 children have been injured, many with catastrophic wounds, and that hundreds more require urgent medical evacuation. According to him, Israeli restrictions on essential medicines are forcing wounded children to endure pain and increasing the risk of infection and complications.
The agency highlighted the psychological trauma that has permeated Gaza’s children. "Fear, loss and violence… is woven into the very fabric of their childhood," Elder said. "The trauma is so severe that it affects their ability to eat, sleep and develop normally."
Gaza’s health ministry confirms that at least 992 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was declared, a figure considered reliable by the United Nations. The broader Gaza war, which began on 7 October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israel, has claimed about 73 000 Palestinian lives, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the ministry.
The ceasefire announced in October 2025 was intended to halt hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach the besieged enclave. However, Israeli airstrikes and artillery have continued. UNICEF’s statement notes that the ceasefire has not prevented attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, and that the blockade remains in place.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. In May 2026, the World Health Organization reported that 266 Palestinians had been killed and 634 injured during the ceasefire period, with an additional 548 bodies recovered from rubble. The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that more than 100,000 Palestinians had been displaced within the enclave.
The blockade, which began in 2005 and was tightened after the 2007 Hamas takeover, has cut off fuel, food, medicine and other essential supplies. The blockade has contributed to a famine that began in August 2025 and was declared over in December 2025, but the International Food Security Phase Classification still lists 100 000 people in catastrophic conditions as of January 2026.
UNICEF’s appeal for 2026 calls for $707.8 million to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian children and their families. The agency has distributed most of its prepositioned supplies and is working to keep the only functioning desalination plant in Gaza operational.
The situation in Gaza has drawn international attention. The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 on 17 November 2025, authorising an international body to support the administration of Gaza and to deploy an International Stabilisation Force. The resolution also allows the appointment of a Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
The continued violence and humanitarian crisis have prompted calls from human rights organisations and scholars for accountability. Several international bodies have described Israel’s actions in Gaza as constituting genocide under international law.
UNICEF’s latest figures underscore that the ceasefire has not brought safety to Gaza’s children. The agency urges the international community to enforce the ceasefire, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, and ensure that children can live without fear.
The United Nations and its agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, and further reports will be issued as new data become available.
During a press briefing, UNICEF spokesman James Elder revealed that more than 90 % of the children killed were victims of Israeli attacks. He detailed that the children were struck in homes, schools, football fields, fishing areas, and even inside tents. "These children were not killed in a war zone," Elder said. "They were killed in their homes, in their schools, playing football, fishing. They were shot, bombed, struck by quadcopters."
Elder cited a daily average of one child death since the ceasefire began. He also reported that over 400 children have been injured, many with catastrophic wounds, and that hundreds more require urgent medical evacuation. According to him, Israeli restrictions on essential medicines are forcing wounded children to endure pain and increasing the risk of infection and complications.
The agency highlighted the psychological trauma that has permeated Gaza’s children. "Fear, loss and violence… is woven into the very fabric of their childhood," Elder said. "The trauma is so severe that it affects their ability to eat, sleep and develop normally."
Gaza’s health ministry confirms that at least 992 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the ceasefire was declared, a figure considered reliable by the United Nations. The broader Gaza war, which began on 7 October 2023 after a Hamas attack on Israel, has claimed about 73 000 Palestinian lives, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the ministry.
The ceasefire announced in October 2025 was intended to halt hostilities and allow humanitarian aid to reach the besieged enclave. However, Israeli airstrikes and artillery have continued. UNICEF’s statement notes that the ceasefire has not prevented attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, and that the blockade remains in place.
The United Nations has repeatedly warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. In May 2026, the World Health Organization reported that 266 Palestinians had been killed and 634 injured during the ceasefire period, with an additional 548 bodies recovered from rubble. The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that more than 100,000 Palestinians had been displaced within the enclave.
The blockade, which began in 2005 and was tightened after the 2007 Hamas takeover, has cut off fuel, food, medicine and other essential supplies. The blockade has contributed to a famine that began in August 2025 and was declared over in December 2025, but the International Food Security Phase Classification still lists 100 000 people in catastrophic conditions as of January 2026.
UNICEF’s appeal for 2026 calls for $707.8 million to meet the urgent needs of Palestinian children and their families. The agency has distributed most of its prepositioned supplies and is working to keep the only functioning desalination plant in Gaza operational.
The situation in Gaza has drawn international attention. The United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 on 17 November 2025, authorising an international body to support the administration of Gaza and to deploy an International Stabilisation Force. The resolution also allows the appointment of a Palestinian National Committee for the Administration of Gaza.
The continued violence and humanitarian crisis have prompted calls from human rights organisations and scholars for accountability. Several international bodies have described Israel’s actions in Gaza as constituting genocide under international law.
UNICEF’s latest figures underscore that the ceasefire has not brought safety to Gaza’s children. The agency urges the international community to enforce the ceasefire, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, and ensure that children can live without fear.
The United Nations and its agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, and further reports will be issued as new data become available.
