Nearly 19,000 children killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza

The death toll in Gaza from ongoing Israeli attacks has surpassed 62,000, with at least 18,885 children among the dead, according to the media office of the Gaza government.

UN agencies continue to warn of catastrophic conditions, as Israel intensifies its military campaign across Gaza, including heavy bombardments in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah, reports Al Jazeera.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) stated that “no place is safe for children,” as attacks on UN-run shelters and food distribution centers continue.

On Tuesday alone, at least 51 Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli strikes, including eight near aid centers. Displaced families in southern Gaza were among the casualties.

The blockade has led to widespread shortages of food, medicine, and clean water. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that deaths from malnutrition and starvation are rising, with over a hundred confirmed fatalities due to hunger-related causes.

UNICEF estimates that more than 540 children have been killed per month over the past five months, describing the scale of child casualties as unprecedented.

Despite mounting international pressure, Israel has escalated operations in Zaytun, Tuffah, and other densely populated areas. The UN has warned that even facilities under its protection, marked with the UN flag, are no longer considered safe.

Meanwhile, Qatar announced that Hamas has given a positive response to a new ceasefire proposal. The plan includes a 60-day truce, partial hostage exchange, and expanded humanitarian aid access. Israel has yet to respond officially.