Time is running out for the children of Gaza
Defence for Children International – 25 October 2023
We are horrified by the scenes coming out of Gaza with a large number of children among the victims and 1 million people with nowhere safe to go. This is unacceptable and the violence should stop immediately.
Israeli forces have killed 2,913 Palestinian children in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, in just over two weeks since the Israeli military unleashed a massive military offensive on the Gaza Strip on October 7 after Palestinian armed groups fired rockets toward Israel and breached the Israeli perimeter fence surrounding Gaza, launching attacks inside Israel.
The number of killed – among half of who are kids – is increasing on a daily basis. At least 305 Palestinian children were killed in the last 24 hours of Israeli bombardment, marking the deadliest 24 hours in Gaza. According to documentation collected by DCI-Palestine, 29 Palestinian children have been killed in the occupied West Bank since October 7.
Our colleagues in Palestine keep going. After 18 days of war, they’re still working and providing assistance to hundreds of children and their families. Their dedication is unparalleled.
DCI co-signed two statements:
- #CeasefireNow: Open Call by 290 organisations from 50 countries for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel to Prevent a Humanitarian Catastrophe and Further Loss of Innocent Lives.
- Joint Statement on Protecting Children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
-
CRIN’s statement on children’s rights in Palestine and Israel (separate statement)
We call for the protection of all civilians, including children and the infrastructure they rely on. We need an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access and accountability.
