A new report into conditions in the Gaza Strip paints a stark picture of life for children under the ongoing genocidal war, revealing that at least 37 young Palestinians have been killed since the start of 2026. These deaths have occurred despite a fragile ceasefire that was supposed to reduce violence and protect civilians.

Witnesses and medical staff in Gaza describe a situation in which strikes continue to fall, and vital services remain in tatters. Hospitals are struggling with shortages of supplies, clean water systems are compromised, and schools are either damaged or destroyed. Families speak of children who live with constant fear, and of communities struggling to rebuild amid the ruins of neighbourhoods.

The report also notes that the total number of Palestinian children killed since the ceasefire began in October 2025 is likely higher than official figures suggest, with many deaths unrecorded amid the chaos. Education has been hit particularly hard, with around 90 % of schools damaged, leaving hundreds of thousands without regular schooling.

Earlier phases of the ceasefire included exchanges of Israeli prisoners for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of occupation forces to defined lines within Gaza. However, residents and humanitarian workers say that offensive strikes and incursions have continued beyond those lines, resulting in further casualties. Since the start of the genocidal war on 7 October 2023, more than 72 000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and over 171 000 injured, according to consolidated tallies.