UNICEF says more than 260 children killed in Gaza as water and food shortages worsen

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder warned that over 260 children have died in Gaza since the October 2025 cease‑fire, amid severe shortages of water and nutrition. He described a humanitarian situation where most families live in tents, water infrastructure is largely destroyed, and children subsist on only two basic food types, mainly bread. About half of the children can still attend school, but hospitals and schools are heavily damaged, with nine out of ten structures in each sector ruined.

A United Nations report presented by Special Representative Vanessa Frazier highlighted that government forces are the primary perpetrators of grave violations against children, documenting 38,558 severe child‑rights breaches in 2025 – a 34% rise from the previous year. Israeli forces alone were linked to 9,465 violations. The report called for stronger enforcement of international humanitarian law and accountability for those responsible.