UNICEF Reports Alarming Child Casualties in Gaza Amid Ongoing Violence, Aid Restrictions
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that at least 74 children have been killed in the first week of 2025 due to violence in the Gaza Strip, including attacks on designated safe zones, AL24News reported today. Since December 26, eight infants and newborns have died from hypothermia, with over a million Gazan children living in inadequate shelters during harsh winter conditions.
The UN reported severe restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza, where civilians face “horrific levels of violence,” Anadolu Agency reported. Between December 22 and January 4, the UN and its partners provided assistance to over 2,000 families, but Israeli authorities denied several aid requests, complicating efforts to reach those in need.
Additionally, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) warned of a looming crisis due to a new Israeli law banning its operations, potentially affecting 700,000 children’s education and essential services. Since October 7, 2023, nearly 46,000 people have died in the ongoing conflict.