351 children killed in Gaza since October 2025 ‘ceasefire’: Unicef
UNICEF Says 351 Children Killed in Gaza Since October 2025 Ceasefire
Bdbusinessdaily.com – At least 351 children killed in Gaza have been recorded since a ceasefire was announced in October 2025, according to UNICEF. The figure highlights the continued risks faced by children in the Gaza Strip despite the truce and renewed calls for civilian protection.
In a statement issued on 22 October, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Edouard Beigbeder called on Israeli authorities to ensure transparent and rigorous accountability processes for cases involving children who were killed or permanently disabled.
UNICEF said eight children were killed and 20 others injured during the six days before the statement. Beigbeder urged effective measures to prevent further harm and stressed the principle of distinction under international humanitarian law, which requires parties to distinguish between civilians and military targets.
This level of violence against children is unacceptable.
Health and Recovery Services Under Pressure
For children who survive attacks, the consequences often continue long after their initial injuries. UNICEF said physical recovery and psychological support are being severely limited by the weakened condition of Gaza’s health system.
Children affected by injury, trauma, bereavement and repeated displacement need medical care, rehabilitation and mental health services. Access to those services has become increasingly difficult as families are forced to relocate and essential infrastructure remains under strain.
Almost every child in Gaza now needs mental health support, UNICEF has warned. That need is linked not only to direct exposure to violence but also to disrupted education, family separation, uncertainty and the loss of ordinary routines.
Displacement Adds to the Burden on Children
About 800,000 children in Gaza remain displaced, according to UNICEF. Many have left their homes multiple times, making it harder for families to maintain access to healthcare, schooling, food and other basic supplies.
The agency has also estimated that around 60,000 children have lost one or both parents during the war or since the ceasefire began. These losses can leave children facing immediate grief as well as longer-term challenges related to care, safety and stability.
When homes, schools, hospitals and local support networks are damaged or inaccessible, children can lose the structures that help them recover. The impact of violence is therefore not limited to a single incident; it can shape daily life for months or years.
A Continuing Humanitarian Crisis
The reported 351 children killed in Gaza come amid the wider toll of the war that began in October 2023. Health authorities in Gaza said more than 73,300 Palestinians had been killed by August, reflecting the scale of the broader humanitarian crisis.
UNICEF’s appeal places particular attention on the protection of civilians during hostilities. The agency said accountability, preventive action and respect for international humanitarian law are necessary to reduce further harm to children.
For families across Gaza, the ceasefire announcement has not removed the immediate danger of violence. Their needs include protection for children still at risk, treatment for those injured and sustained care for those living with grief, trauma and displacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children have been killed in Gaza since the October 2025 ceasefire?
UNICEF said at least 351 children had been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire was announced in October 2025.
What did UNICEF say about recent child casualties?
The agency said eight children were killed and 20 injured during the six days before its 22 October statement.
Why do children in Gaza need mental health support?
Children are coping with violence, injury, bereavement, displacement, disrupted schooling and prolonged uncertainty. UNICEF has said almost every child in Gaza needs mental health support.
How many children remain displaced in Gaza?
UNICEF estimated that roughly 800,000 children remain displaced, with many families having moved repeatedly during the conflict.