New Delhi: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of more than 8,000 people, according to official reports from both sides. The Palestinian death toll has now surpassed 7,000, primarily due to Israeli airstrikes in response to the October 7 attack by Hamas.

In a tragic turn of events, it's the children on both sides who have borne the brunt of this devastating conflict. Over the last 20 days, the Gaza Strip has witnessed a heartbreaking toll on its children, with 2,360 reported deaths and 5,364 injuries resulting from continuous attacks. This translates to an average of around 400 children killed or injured every day.

The Palestinian government has confirmed that the death toll among children stands at 2,704 during this 20-day period, marking one of the deadliest chapters in the violent history of this ongoing conflict.

This escalation of violence is the most severe witnessed by the United Nations since 2006, with nearly every child in the Gaza Strip exposed to deeply distressing events and trauma. The region has seen widespread destruction, relentless attacks, displacement, and severe shortages of essential necessities such as food, water, and medicine.

UNICEF's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr, expressed profound concern over the heavy toll on children in this war. She emphasized that "the killing and maiming of children, abduction of children, attacks on hospitals and schools, and the denial of humanitarian access constitute grave violations of children's rights."

Khodr urged all parties involved to declare an immediate ceasefire, allowing humanitarian access to the affected areas. "UNICEF urgently appeals to all parties to agree to a ceasefire, permit humanitarian access, and release all hostages. Even in times of war, there are rules, and civilians, especially children, must be protected. Every effort must be made to spare them under all circumstances," she added.

Hospitals, like al-Shifa in Gaza City, have been inundated with injured children. A nurse from the al-Shifa hospital revealed, "The influx of patients has been so overwhelming that sometimes we don't even have the time to console or calm a child as we have to rush to another patient for treatment."

On the Israeli side, the conflict has also taken a heavy toll, with over 1,400 people killed, including a significant number of children and civilians. Among the 224 people held hostage by Hamas during its initial attack in southern parts of Israel on October 7, there are reports of several children.

This conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on both sides, with children being the most vulnerable victims, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.

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