At least 322 children killed since Israel's new Gaza offensive, Unicef says

The United Nations agency for children reports that at least 322 children have died since Israel renewed its offensive in Gaza two weeks ago.

UNICEF also stated that at least 609 other children were wounded during this time.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF's Executive Director, said the ceasefire had given hope to Gaza's children. However, she noted that they are now caught in a cycle of violence and deprivation again.

Israel began its renewed offensive on March 18. They blamed Hamas for rejecting a US proposal to extend the ceasefire and release 59 hostages held in Gaza.

Hamas accused Israel of violating their original agreement from January.

UNICEF reported "relentless and indiscriminate bombardments" resumed in Gaza. They noted that about 100 children were killed or injured daily from March 21 to March 31.

Most of these children were displaced and living in makeshift tents or damaged homes.

UNICEF relies on figures from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, which Israel disputes. However, these figures are considered reliable by the UN and other international organizations.

International journalists, including those from the BBC, cannot enter Gaza independently. This limits their ability to verify claims from either side.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told the BBC they aim to reduce civilian harm during operations. They also stated they respect international legal obligations related to armed conflict.

The IDF claimed it makes efforts to estimate potential civilian damage before strikes.

Since the war began over 18 months ago, UNICEF reported that around 15,000 children have been killed and over 34,000 injured. Nearly one million children have been repeatedly displaced as well.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened recently. Israel has blocked aid into the region since March 2, marking the longest aid blockage since the war started.

UNICEF warned that without essential supplies, malnutrition and diseases could rise sharply among children. This may lead to more preventable child deaths.

On March 24, the UN announced it would reduce operations in Gaza after eight Palestinian medics and a UN staff member were killed by Israeli forces.

The IDF launched a campaign against Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 50,399 people have died in Gaza during this ongoing conflict.