21,000 Children Dead in Gaza After 1,000 Days of War, Save the Children Reports

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, has now stretched into its 1,000th day, marking one of the deadliest and most destructive military campaigns in the region’s modern history [186989]. The offensive has resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, the displacement of nearly 2 million people, and the collapse of the local healthcare system [186989]. International aid agencies have repeatedly warned of famine, as the Israeli blockade prevents the entry of essential food, water, and medical supplies [186989].

Save the Children reported that at least 21,000 children have been killed in the territory, based on data from the Gaza Ministry of Health [186983]. The figure represents an average of 21 children killed every day since the conflict began [186983]. The agency warned that thousands more are missing, injured, or facing severe hunger and disease, stating that "the world has failed these children" and calling for an immediate ceasefire [186983]. The scale of destruction has drawn accusations of genocide from human rights groups and several nations, though Israel denies the charge, stating it is targeting militant groups [186989]. Ceasefire talks remain stalled and ground operations are ongoing [186989].

In the southern Gaza Strip, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike near Khan Younis, a city that has seen heavy fighting in recent months [183518]. Medical officials confirmed the deaths but did not immediately provide details on the identities of the victims or the specific target of the attack [183518].

The conflict has also spread to neighboring Lebanon, where the Health Ministry reported that Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 4,278 people and wounded 12,196 others [186398]. The ministry did not specify how many of the dead were civilians or combatants [186398].