ALBAWABA - In a statement released on Sunday, Save the Children Fund said that 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.
Since October 7, 3195 children have been killed in Gaza alone, with 33 killed across the West Bank, according to the Ministry of Health. The number of children believed killed in Gaza in only three weeks is more than the number of children killed in armed conflict internationally - across more than 20 countries - in just one year over the last three years.
"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" said Save the Children Country Director in the occupied Palestinian territory Jason Lee.
"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" Lee added.
It is worth noting that the statement mentioned at least 6360 children in Gaza have also been injured, as well as at least 180 children in the West Bank.
Children account for more than 40% of the 7703 deaths in Gaza and more than one-third of those killed in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. With an additional 1000 children reported missing in Gaza and thought to be buried beneath the wreckage, the death toll is likely to be far higher.
According to the last three Annual Reports of the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, a total of 2,985 children were killed across 24 countries in 2022, 2,515 in 2021, and 2,674 in 2020 across 22 countries. In 2019, 4,019 children were killed, Save the Children reported.
Overall, at least 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals have also been killed in Israel, mostly in the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7.
Launching a cornet missile from Gaza and successful interception of the Israeli incursion skillfullyHamas operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
