Since October 7, 2023, at least 11,355 children have lost their lives in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cyprus.
Marking World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, the Embassy stated, “According to the latest statistics, since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 11,355 children in Gaza, as reported by Palestinian officials.”
This equates to a child being killed every 30 minutes, the Embassy added, while thousands remain missing under the rubble, most presumed dead. Additionally, over 167 people have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
“These shocking numbers reveal the horror of the ongoing genocidal military campaign that indiscriminately targets innocent people, particularly children, who bear the heaviest burden. Among the victims are 710 infants under one year old, 1,793 toddlers (aged 1-3 years), 1,205 preschoolers (aged 4-5 years), 4,205 primary school children (aged 6-12 years), and 3,442 secondary school children (aged 13-17 years),” the statement added.
The Embassy highlighted that the suspension of UNRWA’s activities in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem is a significant blow to children, as UNRWA serves as the primary education provider for over 660,000 children in the region.
It called on the international community to act immediately to ensure that Israel, as an occupying power, respects all international treaties and agreements, particularly the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Embassy emphasized the urgent need to halt the genocidal campaign in Gaza, enable the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid, and initiate reconstruction efforts.
Finally, it urged nations to impose a full arms embargo on Israel and adopt decisive diplomatic and economic measures to end the ongoing violations against the Palestinian people.
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Source: CNA
