The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed “deep concern” over persistent Israeli military strikes targeting densely populated areas across Gaza, which continue to cause civilian deaths and injuries.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq conveyed OCHA’s message, stressing that “Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including humanitarians and their supplies and property, must always be protected.”
Haq cited casualty reports from UNICEF, indicating that nine children had been killed or died of their wounds during the previous week. Among the victims were two sisters, aged six and 12, along with four other children between the ages of three and 14. Additionally, gunfire resulted in the death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child, while at least 13 other children sustained injuries.
Security partners reported that attacks across Gaza remained persistent over the weekend, particularly in areas west of the “Yellow Line.” These assaults involved a combination of air strikes, artillery shelling, naval fire, and gunfire.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli attacks on the enclave since October 8, 2023, have claimed the lives of more than 73,000 Palestinians and wounded over 174,000 others. The ministry also reported that approximately 90 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been destroyed.
Furthermore, the Health Ministry stated that Israeli violations of the October 10 ceasefire agreement have led to the deaths of 1,372 Palestinians and injuries to 4,659 others as of Monday.
