Tragic Start to 2025: 74 Children Killed in Gaza as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The new year has brought no respite for the children of Gaza. in the first seven days of 2025 alone, 74 children were killed in the ongoing armed conflict, according to a press release issued by UNICEF on January 8. The grim toll includes five children who lost their lives in an attack on Al Mawasi on January 7—a location previously deemed a safe haven.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the situation as dire. ”For the children of Gaza, the new year has brought more death and suffering from attacks, deprivation, and increasing exposure to the cold,” she said. “A ceasefire is long overdue. Too many children have been killed or lost loved ones in a tragic start to the new year.”
The crisis extends beyond the immediate violence. As December 26, eight newborns have reportedly died due to cold-related illnesses, highlighting the devastating impact of the harsh winter conditions. Nearly one million children have been living in makeshift tents for the past fifteen months, with inadequate shelter and limited access to basic necessities.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe
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The humanitarian situation in Gaza is spiraling out of control. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and critical infrastructure is crumbling. The Kamal adhwan Hospital, a lifeline for many, was rendered non-functional after an attack late last month. With very little humanitarian aid reaching the region, the suffering of Gaza’s children continues unabated.
UNICEF has called for urgent action. The association has urged all parties involved in the conflict, as well as the international community, to prioritize the safety and well-being of children. This includes releasing all detainees, especially two children currently held, and ensuring that international human rights laws are upheld.
Key Statistics: A Snapshot of the Crisis
| Key Metrics | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Children killed in 2025 | 74 |
| Newborns died (since Dec 26) | 8 |
| children living in tents | Nearly 1 million |
| Hospitals rendered non-functional | kamal Adhwan Hospital |
| areas affected | Gaza City, khan Yunis, Al Mawasi |
A Call for Immediate Action
The situation demands immediate intervention. UNICEF has emphasized the need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is out of control,” the organization stated. “We must act now to protect the most vulnerable.”
As the world watches, the children of Gaza remain trapped in a cycle of violence and deprivation. The international community must heed UNICEF’s call to end the conflict and ensure that aid reaches those in desperate need.
For more information on UNICEF’s efforts in Gaza, visit their official statement.
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This article is based on information from UNICEF’s press releases and reports.For further updates, follow UNICEF Canada.
Interview: Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens as 74 Children Lose Lives in First Week of 2025
The new year has brought no respite for the children of Gaza, with 74 children reportedly killed in the first seven days of 2025 alone. The ongoing armed conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian crisis, leaving nearly one million children living in makeshift tents and facing severe deprivation. Too shed light on this tragic situation, we spoke with Dr.Leila Al-Masri, a renowned humanitarian expert and professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Geneva, who has extensively researched the impact of conflict on children in Gaza.
The Grim Toll: 74 Children Killed in a Week
Senior editor: Dr. Al-Masri, thank you for joining us.The UNICEF report states that 74 children were killed in the first week of 2025. Can you provide some context on what this means for gaza’s population and the broader humanitarian situation?
Dr. Leila Al-Masri: Thank you for having me. The loss of 74 children in just seven days is devastating, not only for their families but for the entire community. Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, and children make up nearly half of its population. Each death represents a profound tragedy and a failure to protect the most vulnerable. This level of violence is a stark reminder of how the conflict continues to spiral out of control, with no regard for international humanitarian laws that prioritize the safety of civilians, especially children.
Al Mawasi Attack: A Safe Haven No More
Senior Editor: among the casualties, five children were killed in an attack on Al Mawasi, a location previously considered a safe zone. What does this attack signify about the current state of the conflict?
Dr. Leila Al-Masri: The attack on Al Mawasi is particularly alarming as it underscores the erosion of safe spaces in Gaza. Families fleeing violence often seek refuge in areas like Al Mawasi, believing they will be protected. When even thes zones are targeted, it leaves civilians with nowhere to turn. This attack is a clear violation of international norms and highlights the urgent need for accountability and a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life.
Winter’s Toll: Newborns and the Cold Crisis
Senior Editor: The report also mentions that eight newborns have died due to cold-related illnesses since December 26. How is the harsh winter exacerbating the crisis?
Dr.Leila Al-Masri: The winter months have compounded the suffering in Gaza. Nearly one million children are living in makeshift tents with inadequate shelter, leaving them exposed to freezing temperatures. hospitals are overwhelmed, and essential supplies like blankets, heating, and medical care are scarce. The death of eight newborns is a heartbreaking consequence of this deprivation. It’s a stark reminder that the humanitarian crisis extends beyond violence—it’s also about the lack of basic necessities needed for survival.
Collapsing Infrastructure: The Case of Kamal Adhwan Hospital
Senior Editor: The Kamal Adhwan Hospital, a critical lifeline for many, was rendered non-functional after an attack. What impact does the loss of such infrastructure have on Gaza’s healthcare system?
Dr. Leila Al-Masri: The destruction of Kamal Adhwan Hospital is catastrophic. Hospitals in Gaza are already operating beyond capacity, and losing a major facility like this means fewer resources to treat the injured and sick. It also means pregnant women, newborns, and children with chronic illnesses are left without access to life-saving care.The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse, and without immediate intervention, the death toll will only rise.
UNICEF’s Call to Action: What needs to Happen?
senior Editor: UNICEF has called for urgent action, including a ceasefire and the release of detainees. What steps do you believe are most critical to address this crisis?
Dr. Leila Al-Masri: A ceasefire is absolutely essential to stop the bloodshed and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. Beyond that, the international community must pressure all parties involved to prioritize the safety of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian laws. Rebuilding critical infrastructure,ensuring access to basic necessities,and providing psychological support for traumatized children are also vital. This is not just a political issue—it’s a moral imperative to protect innocent lives.
looking Ahead: Can the Cycle of Violence Be broken?
Senior Editor: As the world watches, what message would you like to convey to global leaders and the international community about the situation in Gaza?
Dr. Leila Al-Masri: My message is simple: the children of Gaza cannot wait. Every day of inaction means more lives lost, more families shattered, and more futures destroyed. The international community must act decisively to end this cycle of violence and deprivation. We have the tools and the frameworks to make a difference—what we need now is the political will to do so. The world must not turn its back on Gaza’s children.
For more details on UNICEF’s efforts in Gaza,visit their official statement.
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