According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), despite the ceasefire announced in October, the deaths of children in the Gaza Strip have not stopped. The organization says that since the ceasefire began, more than 100 children have been killed so far—meaning that nearly one child is losing their life every day.
Providing information to the United Nations via video from Gaza, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said that although the intensity of bombardment and gunfire has decreased compared to earlier, the violence has not completely stopped and life remains unsafe for children.
According to Elder, the dead include 60 boys and 40 girls. Most of these children were killed during Israeli military actions, which included airstrikes, drone and quadcopter attacks, tank shelling, and incidents of direct gunfire. Some deaths were also caused by unexploded ordnance. He added that the available figures may be lower than the actual number, as only cases that could be fully verified have been recorded—meaning the reality may be even more dangerous.
Winter worsens the devastation, children most affected
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that since the onset of winter, 24 people have died due to the cold, including 21 children. Recently, seven more deaths caused by cold weather have been recorded. The report also said that recent storms and heavy rainfall have destroyed around 7,000 tents. More than 1.5 million people in Gaza have been displaced and are living in temporary camps, where there is neither adequate shelter nor essential resources.
UN human rights chief: the situation is extremely dangerous
Ajit Sungay, head of the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) in the occupied Palestinian territory, has described the situation in Gaza as “extremely dangerous.” He said that although Gaza has experienced harsh winters before, conditions are far more severe this time because tents are torn, areas are flooded, and infrastructure has been completely destroyed. As a result, every storm has become a direct threat to people’s lives.
Sungay confirmed that children have died due to the cold, and said this crisis is linked to forced displacement, the lack of adequate housing, and restrictions on essential supplies.
Ban on reconstruction materials creates a major crisis
Sungay said that Gaza needs not just more tents, but strong and safe shelters, yet the necessary construction materials are being blocked by Israel. He emphasized the need to implement the second phase of the ceasefire so that reconstruction work can begin.
Due to recent storms:
More than 20 buildings have completely collapsed
Over 150 buildings have suffered partial damage
These incidents have resulted in 24 deaths, including 21 children.
Accusations of global failure
Ajit Sungay described the entire crisis as a collective failure of the international community. He said that many countries with the capacity to put pressure on Israel have so far failed to take effective action.
According to him:
Many international NGOs are being prevented from operating in Gaza
Human rights organizations are not being granted visas
Aid-filled trucks are waiting at the borders but are not allowed to enter
Sungay warned that even after the ceasefire, people are still losing their lives due to airstrikes, gunfire, cold, and collapsing structures. He said that the United Nations will continue its efforts, but without strong international pressure, saving the lives of Gaza’s civilians is becoming increasingly difficult.