Israel kills ‘a child a day’ on average in Gaza despite ceasefire, UN says

One Palestinian child has been killed every day on average for more than eight months in Gaza since a so-called “ceasefire” with Israel was announced, the United Nations children’s agency says. UNICEF describes the truce as a “cruel and deadly illusion” as Israel continues to attack the besieged enclave. Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list Israeli forces have killed at least 265 Palestinian children since October 2025, when the halt in hostilities was declared, UNICEF said on Friday. “During a period supposedly defined by restraint and protection, a child has been killed, on average, every single day for more than eight months,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva. He said the continued deaths exposed the hollowness of a ceasefire that has not protected Palestinian children from Israeli fire. “While the world continues to speak the language of ceasefire, families in Gaza continue to bury their sons and daughters,” he said. Elder said children had been killed in homes, schools and public spaces, including while playing football or fishing. “This week: a 2-year-old boy was shot and killed by Israeli forces; a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed inside his tent; a 5-year-old boy and his father were killed by an Israeli strike, and on and on it goes,” he added. According to UNICEF, more than 400 children have also been injured since October, many with devastating wounds. “The suffering does not end with those killed. …