At least 265 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire was announced in October 2025, UNICEF said, describing the truce as a “deadly illusion” and warning that violence continues despite the declared halt in hostilities.
“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 on Friday.
He described the ceasefire as a “cruel and deadly illusion” and questioned whether it could still be considered a ceasefire while children continue to die.
“While the world continues to speak the language of ceasefire, families in Gaza continue to bury their sons and daughters,” he said.
Elder said the children were killed in homes, schools and public spaces, including while playing football or fishing.
“This week: a two-year-old boy was shot and killed by Israeli forces; a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed inside his tent; a five-year-old boy and his father were killed by an Israeli strike, and on and on it goes,” he said.
According to UNICEF, more than 400 children have also been wounded since October, many suffering severe wounds.
“The suffering does not end with those killed. More than 400 children have been injured, many with catastrophic wounds,” Elder said.
