In the 21st century, an average of almost 20 children a day are killed or maimed in wars around the world, according to UNICEF. But the current conflict in the Gaza Strip is much worse. According to Save The Children, since October 7, more infants have died in this enclave alone than in all the armed conflicts of the last three years.
In addition, these children face serious dangers to their physical and mental health, since violence and the consequences it brings could affect their development, according to Ivonne Piedras, communications and campaign director of Save The Children in Mexico.
There are many voices calling to stop the conflict in the name of children, who are the main victims of the bombings.
“Let us think of the children, of all the children involved in this war, as in Ukraine and in other conflicts, their future is being murdered,” Pope Francis said this Sunday.
How many children have died in the war?
A Gaza health official said Sunday that more than 9,770 Palestinians have died in the war. Of this, more than 3,900 are children.
On the Israeli side, at least 31 children have been killed by Hamas attacks. In addition, 30 children remain kidnapped by Islamist militias in the Gaza Strip.
Since October 7, 136 Palestinians, including 43 children, have been killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank; and eight, including a child, by Israeli settlers. Two Israelis have been murdered by Palestinians, according to information from the United Nations Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.