In a shocking revelation, the leading humanitarian organization 'Save the Children' today claimed that the reported death toll of children in Gaza in just three weeks since the onset of the conflict on October 7, has surpassed the annual number of children killed across the world's conflict zones since 2019.
It also said the risk of children dying from injuries has never been higher, with the UN reporting that a third of hospitals across the Gaza Strip are no longer operational due to power outages and a “total siege” by the Government of Israel blocking entry of essential supplies such as fuel and medicine.
Shortage of medical supplies also included anaesthesia shortages which resulted into amputating wounded children in absence of any prescribed pain relief, according to Médecins Sans Frontiers/Doctors without Borders,
While calling for an immediate ceasefire, Save the Children said it is gravely concerned that the unfolding and escalation of the expanded ground operation in Gaza by Israeli forces will unavoidably result in more children casualties as their bodies are particularly more vulnerable to the explosive weaponry.
“We call on all parties to the conflict to take immediate steps to protect the lives of children, and on the international community to support those efforts, as is their obligation.”
Since October 7, Save the Children said, more than 3,257 children have been reported killed, including at least 3,195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank, and 29 in Israel, according to the Ministries of Health in Gaza and Israel respectively. The number of children reported killed in just three weeks in Gaza is more than the number killed in armed conflict globally—across more than 20 countries—over the course of a whole year, for the last three years.
It is reported that at least 6,360 children in Gaza have also been injured, as well as at least 180 children in the West Bank, and at least 74 children in Israel. More than 200 individuals, including children, remain hostages inside Gaza.
Children make up more than 40% of the 7,703 people killed in Gaza, and more than a third of all fatalities across the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. With a further 1,000 children reported missing in Gaza assumed buried under the rubble, the actual death toll is likely to be much higher.
On Friday, Israeli forces announced “expanded ground operations” in the Gaza Strip, with Save the Children warning it will bring more deaths, injuries, and distress while calling for an immediate ceasefire.
Save the Children Country Director in the occupied Palestinian territory Jason Lee, said: “Three weeks of violence have ripped children from families and torn through their lives at an unimaginable rate. The numbers are harrowing and with violence not only continuing but expanding in Gaza right now, many more children remain at grave risk.
"One child’s death is one too many, but these are grave violations of epic proportions. A ceasefire is the only way to ensure their safety. The international community must put people before politics—every day spent debating is leaving children killed and injured. Children must be protected at all times, especially when they are seeking safety in schools and hospitals.”
