UN reports Gaza child deaths, aid
UN agencies report four children were killed and over $770,000 in nutrition aid was destroyed in separate Israeli attacks in Gaza last week, damaging
Four children were killed and vital humanitarian supplies were destroyed in separate attacks across Gaza last week, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported the incidents, which included the destruction of nutrition aid intended for over 45,000 people and damage to a water facility serving thousands.
Aid and infrastructure targeted
UNICEF stated that a UN partner's warehouse was heavily damaged by a nearby strike last week. The attack destroyed nutrition supplies valued at more than $770,000. These supplies were meant to support more than 45,000 children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.
In a separate incident on Monday, a UNICEF-supported water well and desalination facility in Deir al Balah was severely damaged. This facility served more than 4,000 people. Partners are now providing water by truck from other sources.
OCHA raised concerns about the impact of ongoing air strikes and other attacks across Gaza. This comes despite the October 2025 ceasefire that ended the two-year-long Hamas-Israel war. The agency emphasized that civilians and civilian objects, including humanitarian facilities, must always be protected.
Casualties and convoy incident
The four children killed were aged between two and 16 years old. UNICEF reported they died in separate strikes. One child died from wounds sustained the previous week.
On Tuesday, five more children, aged eight to 17, were reported hit by live fire or shrapnel. They suffered life-changing injuries.
OCHA also reported an incident involving a UN convoy on Thursday. An explosive munition detonated about 30 meters from the convoy as it crossed the so-called "Yellow Line" in Rafah. The convoy was returning with fuel from the Kerem Shalom crossing. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The explosion caused only a minor mechanical issue with one vehicle.
Medical evacuations and ordnance risks
The World Health Organization (WHO) supported the evacuation of 106 patients and 132 companions from Gaza last week. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus provided the figures on Friday. The evacuations occurred through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings.
| Evacuation Group | Number Evacuated (Last Week) | Total Since Oct 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Patients | 106 | Over 13,000 |
| Companions | 132 | Over 16,000 |
Tedros stated that 19 of the patients evacuated last week were children. He added that thousands more patients are still awaiting medical evacuation. He said sustained access through multiple crossing routes is needed for timely treatment.
Meanwhile, the UN and its partners are working to address risks from explosive ordnance across Gaza. OCHA said they are assessing and marking hazards, educating people on safety, and referring affected individuals for support. However, the necessary authorisation to bring in equipment and remove the ordnance has still not been granted.
