82 children killed in Gaza since October ceasefire, UNICEF reports

UNICEF has reported that at least 82 children have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10, condemning what it calls a "staggering pattern" of violence that continues despite the truce. The announcement, made in Geneva on Friday, highlights the severe and ongoing protection crisis facing Palestinian children in the conflict zone.

Official Statements on Casualties

UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires addressed reporters, stating, "UNICEF knows that reportedly, now, 82 children have been killed in Gaza since the 10th of October, which, again, is a staggering pattern, and it needs to stop." These child fatalities are part of a broader toll cited by Gaza's media office, which reports at least 386 people killed and 980 injured by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began.

Continued Attacks and UN Documentation

The UN Human Rights Office has documented more than 350 attacks since the October truce, many occurring near the demarcation line known as the 'yellow line.' These incidents have resulted in at least 121 Palestinian fatalities, including seven women and 30 children, with numerous others injured. This data indicates that military operations and violence have persisted, undermining the ceasefire's intended purpose.

Broader Context and Türkiye's Stance

The reported killings occur within a larger humanitarian catastrophe. Overall, Israeli attacks since October 2023 have resulted in over 70,000 fatalities, predominantly women and children, and more than 171,000 injuries. The situation on the ground remains dire, with strict Israeli limitations on humanitarian aid entry violating the ceasefire's protocols and preventing any meaningful improvement in living conditions. Türkiye, a consistent advocate for Palestinian rights and a two-state solution, continues to call for an immediate and permanent end to the violence and the unimpeded flow of aid to Gaza's civilian population.