At Least 500 Palestinian Children Killed in 20 Days of Ongoing Israeli Attacks on Gaza – Gaza Civil Defense

At Least 500 Palestinian Children Killed in 20 Days of Ongoing Israeli Attacks on Gaza – Gaza Civil Defense

Following the collapse of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israel's renewed military offensive in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 1,500 Palestinians, including at least 500 children, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza Civil Defense.

The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini, described the situation in Gaza as a “post-apocalyptic killing field.” He stated that Israel is deliberately blocking the entry of food, medicine, and fuel — a clear violation of international law.

On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least six people, including one child. Two people were killed and two children injured in a strike in Gaza City’s Tuffah neighborhood. Two more were killed in Al-Atatra in northern Beit Lahia, while a drone attack killed a Palestinian in the Kizan an-Najjar area of Khan Younis.

In Khan Younis’s Al-Mawasi area, labeled a “safe zone” by Israel, there were also reports of casualties in a refugee camp strike. A newborn being treated at Al-Ahli Hospital in Deir al-Balah had to have its hand amputated but later died.

According to Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, between March 18 and April 9, Israel carried out 224 airstrikes, 36 of which killed only women and children.

The Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq stated, “Deliberate targeting and killing of women, children, and even newborns is unprecedented in modern conflict.”

According to UNRWA, 400,000 people in Gaza have been newly displaced since the ceasefire collapsed. Since the war began on October 7 last year, 90% of Gaza’s population has been forcibly displaced from their homes.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that so far, 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and 115,981 injured due to Israeli attacks. UN officials have warned that a dire shortage of food, water, and medicine is putting children's and civilians’ lives at severe risk.

“Palestinians no longer know where they can be safe,” said Al Jazeera journalist Hind Khoudary from Gaza.

Israel is reportedly planning a new land seizure in southern Gaza and has issued a series of forced evacuation orders. Despite international condemnation, Tel Aviv has reiterated its commitment to continuing military operations.

Source: Al Jazeera and various news agencies | International Desk