UNICEF Highlights Continued Hardships for Children in Gaza Amid Fragile Ceasefire

GENEVA — A new UNICEF report released on 16 October 2026 details the ongoing human cost and severe living conditions experienced by children in the Gaza Strip, despite an agreed ceasefire. According to the United Nations agency, more than 340 children have been reported killed and hundreds of others injured in the period of just over a year since the ceasefire was announced, with recent casualties including seven children killed and at least 33 seriously injured in the past two weeks alone.

UNICEF reports that approximately 800,000 children remain displaced throughout the territory, with the majority sheltering in damaged tents or bombed-out structures. The agency estimates that around 60,000 children have lost one or both parents during the conflict or in the period following the ceasefire. Furthermore, UNICEF indicated that nearly every child in the Strip requires some form of mental health support to aid in their recovery.

While the ceasefire has facilitated an increase in commercial and humanitarian supplies—resulting in some improvements to food security—essential public infrastructure remains severely compromised. UNICEF stated that all six wastewater treatment plants in Gaza remain non-operational, leading to the discharge of raw sewage into the sea. The agency also raised concerns about the Sheikh Radwan stormwater basin, which is currently half-full, warning that upcoming winter rains could cause contaminated water to flood residential areas if critical pumping equipment is not permitted entry by Israeli authorities.

Despite logistical and operational constraints, humanitarian efforts have enabled more than 560,000 children to return to learning, including within over 200 UNICEF-supported learning centres. The agency noted that it has also delivered digital cash assistance to more than 380,000 people and continues to supply safe water to 1.2 million individuals.

UNICEF emphasized that current funding remains far below the levels needed to sustain operations and rebuild key services. The organization called on the parties to uphold the ceasefire terms and international humanitarian law, and urged Israeli authorities to permit the entry of necessary materials, spare parts, generators, and equipment required to restore vital civil infrastructure.

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