First Week Of 2025, INICEF: 74 Children Died As A Result Of Israeli Attacks On Gaza

The Israeli military continues to attack Gaza's territory in Palestine. (doc. Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - UNICEF reported at least 74 children were killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli attacks during the first week of 2025.

Unicef said that Israeli attacks at night in areas such as Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Al Manawasi, known as 'safe zones', had claimed many children's lives.

UNICEF reported that in yesterday's latest attack, five children were reported dead in Al Mawasi.

"For Gaza children, this new year brings more deaths and suffering from attacks, shortages, and increased exposure to cold weather," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement, quoted by Antara via Anadolu.

"The ceasefire is very urgent," he continued.

Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, UNICEF recorded more than one million children living in emergency tents, with many families having been displaced for months.

"Since December 26, eight babies and toddlers have reportedly died from hypothermia, a major threat to young children who are unable to regulate their body temperature," UNICEF said.

Damage to civilian infrastructure and hospitals that are overwhelmed exacerbate the situation.

UNICEF also noted the closure of Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only child hospital in northern Gaza, following last month's Israeli attack.

"UNICEF has long warned that inadequate shelters, lack of access to food and health services, poor sanitation conditions, and winter weather now threaten the lives of all children in Gaza," Russell said.

UNICEF urged the halt to attacks on civilians and requested that life-saving humanitarian aid reach those in need immediately.

UNICEF also stressed the importance of sending aid and supplies for the survival of children in Gaza.

Russell urged immediate action to improve security so that aid workers can securely distribute supplies to families in need.

Russell also said, "Families need the end of this unimaginable suffering and destruction."