Maps
Magazine

WORLD NEWS

Over 500 Palestinian Children Killed Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza
Over 500 Palestinian children have died in Gaza since Israel resumed airstrikes on March 18. The situation in Gaza is described as a "post-apocalyptic" killing zone.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-12
Over 500 Palestinian Children Killed Amid Ongoing Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza

The death toll in Gaza continues to rise as Israeli airstrikes and bombardments intensify. At least 500 Palestinian children have been killed since Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas last month, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defence. A UN official has condemned the situation in Gaza as a "post-apocalyptic" killing zone, with widespread casualties and no end in sight to the violence.

The latest Israeli air raids, which took place on Saturday, killed at least six people, including a child. These new casualties bring the total number of deaths in the past 24 hours to over 20. Since Israel resumed its bombardment on March 18, more than 1,500 people have died, according to figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

In one of the latest attacks on Gaza's Tuffah neighbourhood, two people were killed, and two children were injured. Two additional casualties were reported in the al-Atatra district of Beit Lahiya, in northern Gaza. Another individual was killed in a drone strike in the Qizan an-Najjar area south of Khan Younis.

The situation is exacerbated by Israeli air raids that hit tent shelters, which had been designated by Israel as “safe zones.” The bombardment has left entire families in desperate situations, as they struggle to find shelter and access medical care.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah, revealed the heartbreaking case of a newborn named Sham, who was severely injured in an airstrike. Sham's arm had to be amputated, but her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she later died from the severity of her injuries.

In addition to the mounting casualties, Khoudary also reported that forced evacuations were carried out in Shujayea and Khan Younis, with many Palestinians left without a place to go. "Palestinians do not know where to go," Khoudary noted, as hospitals fill with women and children who suffer from critical injuries.

The lack of medical supplies continues to worsen the situation, with ambulances arriving at hospitals predominantly carrying women and children. The UN has also raised alarms about the shortage of food, fuel, and medicine in Gaza. UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma warned that essential supplies were running out, leaving babies and children hungry.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported that 36 of the 224 documented Israeli airstrikes from March 18 to April 9 targeted only women and children, further cementing the grim reality in Gaza. The Palestinian rights group Al-Haq echoed these concerns, calling the targeted violence a calculated effort to exterminate women and children.

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA chief, has described Gaza as a “post-apocalyptic” killing zone. He also condemned Israel's actions in blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing violations of international law. Since the ceasefire ended on March 18, approximately 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced across Gaza, and Israel has forcibly displaced about 90 percent of Gaza's population since October 2023.

With the death toll exceeding 50,000 Palestinians and over 115,000 others injured, human rights groups are condemning Israel’s military actions. The conflict shows no signs of easing, as Israel continues to press on with its offensive in southern Gaza, issuing new forced evacuation orders and attempting to seize additional territory.
Tagged:

UN

Palestine

Gaza

IsraeliAirstrikes

ChildrenInConflict
Share News: