265 Children Killed in Gaza Strip, Ceasefire is Only a Deadly Illusion

JAKARTA - UNICEF said 265 Palestinian children have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was announced in October 2025.

The organization called the ceasefire a "deadly illusion" and warned that violence was still continuing despite the announcement of a cessation of hostilities.

"In a period that should have been marked by self-control and protection, an average of one child was killed every day for more than eight months," UNICEF spokesman James Elder told reporters in Geneva.

He described the ceasefire as a "cruel and deadly illusion" and questioned whether the current conditions could still be called a ceasefire when children continue to lose their lives.

"While the world continues to talk about a ceasefire, families in Gaza are still burying their sons and daughters," he said.

Elder said the children were killed in homes, schools, and public spaces, including while playing soccer or fishing.

"This week, a two-year-old boy was shot dead by Israeli forces. A 13-year-old boy was shot dead in his tent. A five-year-old boy and his father were killed in an Israeli attack, and similar events continue to occur," he said.

The ceasefire is meaningless.

According to UNICEF, more than 400 children have also been injured since October, many of whom suffered serious injuries.

"The suffering does not stop with those who are killed. More than 400 children are injured, many of whom have very serious injuries," said Elder.

He cited the case of a 12-year-old girl who was shot in the chest while in a tent, as well as a three-year-old girl who was shot in the face by a bullet fired from a quadcopter drone, while at home.

Elder warned that hundreds of children needed urgent medical evacuation. He also said that restrictions on the supply of essential medicines increased the risk of infection, complications, and amputation for injured children.

In addition to the physical impact, he highlighted the psychological impact that continues to burden children in Gaza.

"For Gaza's children, fear, loss and violence have become such a constant part of their lives that trauma is no longer just an episode in their lives, but has become fused into their childhood," he said.

The elder urged the government and international institutions to take action. According to him, the continued deaths of children during the ceasefire should be a serious concern for those committed to upholding international law.

He also alluded to the situation in Lebanon, where UNICEF has recorded 247 children killed and another 992 injured since the escalation of hostilities on March 2.

"No ceasefire can be considered meaningful as long as children continue to be killed," Elder said.