The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said that 2,360 children were killed in Israeli counterattacks in the Gaza Strip, in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks on southern Israel.

The organization stated, citing reports without naming sources, that 5,364 children were injured, and spoke of “relentless attacks.”

Since the sudden Hamas attacks on October 7, the Israeli army has bombed targets in the Gaza Strip and is preparing a ground invasion of the besieged Strip.

Adele Khader, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said: “The situation in the Gaza Strip is a growing stain on our collective conscience. “The rate of death and injury to children is simply astonishing.”

UNICEF indicated that the Gaza Strip suffers from a severe water shortage, with dire consequences for children, who constitute about 50 percent of the population.

UNICEF urged all parties to agree to a ceasefire, provide humanitarian access, and release all hostages.