"More than 260 children have lost their lives during the ceasefire period that has continued in Gaza since October 2025."
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, these figures were reported by James Elder, spokesperson for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
In his statement regarding the situation in Gaza, which remains under intense pressure and military operations, Elder noted that children appear chronically ill and that food insecurity remains a critical issue in the region.
According to Elder, while famine has been partially averted, the delivery of high-quality, diverse nutrition necessary for children remains impossible. Children are primarily surviving on bread and can consume only two types of food products per day.
The UNICEF official also noted that the water supply system in Gaza has been almost completely destroyed:
"Although the organization is attempting to carry out restoration work in this area, there are severe restrictions on bringing necessary materials into the region. As a result, nine months after the ceasefire began, the population still faces a severe shortage of clean water."
Elder stated that due to harsh living conditions, children are constantly falling ill, and thousands of people are still forced to live in tents.
The UNICEF spokesperson emphasized that the period labeled as a ceasefire is, in reality, accompanied by death and violence, noting that an average of one child loses their life every day during this period. According to his account, two sisters were killed last Saturday, and in the past week, more children have been targeted by drone strikes and bombardments.
Elder noted that since the beginning of the ceasefire period, more than 260 girls and boys have perished.
He further emphasized that children in Gaza are neither safe in their homes nor able to receive a proper education. Currently, only about half of the children are able to attend school. According to the UNICEF official, no child in Gaza is able to eat three meals a day containing all the nutrients the body requires.
He stated that the most significant consequence of the ceasefire in the region has been Gaza's disappearance from the global media agenda, which has had dire consequences for Palestinians.
Elder added that the scale of destruction in Gaza is immense:
"Currently, 9 out of every 10 homes, as well as 9 out of every 10 hospitals and schools, have either been damaged or completely destroyed."
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to draw international concern, with organizations like UNICEF calling for urgent access to essential supplies and the protection of civilians amidst the widespread infrastructure collapse.
