New year brings little new hope for children in Gaza, with at least 74 children reportedly killed in first week of 2025
EAST JERUSALEM/AMMAN/NEW YORK, 8 January 2025 – At least 74 children have reportedly been killed in relentless violence in the Gaza Strip in just the first seven days of 2025. Children have reportedly been killed in several mass casualty events, including nighttime attacks in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Al Mawasi, a unilaterally designated 'safe zone' in the south. The most recent attack, yesterday, saw five children reportedly killed in Al Mawasi.
“For the children of Gaza, the new year has brought more death and suffering from attacks, deprivation, and increasing exposure to the cold,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. ”A ceasefire is long overdue. Too many children have been killed or lost loved ones in a tragic start to the new year.”
The continued lack of basic shelter – combined with winter temperatures pose serious threats to children. With more than a million children living in makeshift tents, and with many families displaced over the past 15 months, children face extreme risks. Since December 26, eight infants and newborns have reportedly died from hypothermia – a major threat to young children who are unable to regulate their body temperature.
