Children Bear Heavy Toll in Gaza Conflict

Children account for more than 2% of Gaza's child population

RAMALLAH, April 4, 2024 - Nearly 26,000 children have been killed or injured in Gaza in six months of conflict, according to the United Nations. This represents more than 2% of Gaza's child population.

The UN report, released on Tuesday, found that the majority of child casualties were caused by Israeli airstrikes. The report also found that Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel, which killed or injured several Israeli children.

"The high number of child casualties is a tragedy," said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of war, and they should never be targeted."

The UN report called on both sides to end the violence and to protect children.