“The number of children reported killed in Gaza in just three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across the world’s conflict zones since 2019,” Save the Children said in a press release.
“Since October 7, 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,” they reported. “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.”
Child fatalities represent more than 40% of the total in Gaza. “With a further 1,000 children reported missing in Gaza assumed buried under the rubble, the death toll is likely much higher,” they added.
While the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7 was unbelievably horrific—including the brutal murder, kidnapping and orphaning of children — the number of children killed since then is clearly without precedent in recent history.
“One child’s death is one too many, but these are grave violations of epic proportions,” Save the Children Country Director in the occupied Palestinian territory Jason Lee, said. “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.”