UNICEF Reports Ongoing Child Casualties Across the Gaza Strip

AMMAN — Eight children were reported killed and 20 injured across the Gaza Strip over a six-day period, according to a statement released on 20 October 2026 by Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

The agency stated that the latest casualties bring the total number of children killed since the announcement of the October 2025 ceasefire to 351. Beigbeder noted several recent incidents, including a 14-year-old killed by a drone strike in Deir al Balah on 17 October while walking home from a learning centre, a six-year-old killed by gunfire at home in al-Maghazi, a 12-year-old shot in Beit Lahia, and a 14-year-old killed by tank fire in northern Nuseirat. Additionally, an early-morning shell struck a school sheltering families, injuring two children.

According to UNICEF, medical care for injured children is being severely impacted by the condition of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure. The agency highlighted the case of a 16-year-old girl injured by gunfire near Beit Lahia who requires surgery for a bullet lodged between her spine and lungs, but cannot safely undergo the operation due to a lack of necessary scanning equipment.

UNICEF called on Israeli authorities to take immediate action to protect children in accordance with international humanitarian law. The organization emphasized the need to adhere to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attacks, minimize civilian harm, and provide transparent accountability when children are killed or maimed.

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