One child killed every hour in Gaza: UN agency

Gaza (The Uttam Hindu): The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that a child is killed every hour in the Gaza Strip amid ongoing violence. According to UNICEF, 14,500 children have been killed since the war began, with each life lost being more than just a statistic. The organization condemned the deaths, emphasizing that these children are not only losing their lives but also their futures, with many left emotionally and physically scarred, deprived of education, and left to sift through rubble. UNRWA stated, “The clock is ticking for these children,” highlighting the loss of hope among Gaza’s youth.

The Israeli government has been conducting a large-scale military operation in Gaza, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel's southern border on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has risen to 45,338, as reported by Gaza-based health authorities.

Regarding efforts for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there had been progress in securing a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas, though the timeline remains uncertain. He affirmed Israel's commitment to continue efforts until all hostages are released. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar outlined the deal's structure as a gradual and phased framework. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been working to facilitate a breakthrough, but a resolution has not yet been reached.