Image Source: Anadolu Ajansi
Occupied Palestine – UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, reported that in the first two months of 2025, 13 Palestinian children were killed in the West Bank. He stated that conflict-related violence continues to bring death and fear to civilians, including women and children.
In his statement, Beigbeder noted that seven of these deaths occurred after 19 January during a large-scale military operation in the northern part of the territory. Among the victims was a two-and-a-half-year-old child whose pregnant mother was also injured in the attack.
“Since 7 October 2023, 195 Palestinian children and three Israeli children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. There has been a 200 per cent increase in the number of Palestinian children killed in the territory over the past 16 months as compared to the 16 months prior.”
“On 7 February, a 10-year-old Palestinian boy succumbed to his wounds after reportedly being shot, while two days later, in another tragic event in Nur Shams camp, an eight-month pregnant woman was reportedly shot and killed along with her unborn baby.”
Additionally, UNICEF expressed deep concern over the rising violence, especially in Jenin. The use of explosive weapons, airstrikes, and demolitions in densely populated areas, including refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas Governorates, has severely damaged infrastructure, cutting off water and electricity and displacing thousands of families.
“Children and their families in the northern West Bank – especially those in refugee camps – continue to face incredible hardship. Thousands of families have been displaced due to the recent military operations, including in Jenin, Nur Shams, Tulkarem, and al-Faraa Camps.”
SMread| King Abdullah Reaffirms Jordan’s Stance Against Palestinian Displacement
The Devastating Impact on Education and Children’s Mental Health
The humanitarian impact extends beyond immediate physical danger. The escalating violence is having a severe effect on education, with nearly 100 schools affected.
Students and teachers are unable to attend classes safely. This disruption to education, combined with the ongoing violence, has significantly deepened the psychological and social stress on children.
“Many children living in affected areas urgently need mental health and psychosocial support.”
In response, UNICEF strongly condemned all acts of violence against children and called for an immediate halt to hostilities.
Beigbeder stressed that every civilian, particularly children, must be protected without exception. He also urged that humanitarian organizations be given safe and unrestricted access to deliver critical assistance and protection services.
“The worsening crisis underscores the urgent need for parties to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Critically, a lasting political solution, supported by the international community, is needed to ensure all children in the region can live in peace and safety.”
Beigbeder reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with partners to address the immediate and long-term needs of affected children and their families.
