The ongoing conflict in Gaza has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless children, with nearly half of the population being made up of young people. On November 20, the world marks World Children’s Day, a global initiative aimed at promoting the rights, safety, education, health and overall happiness of children worldwide. However, this year’s observance takes place amidst one of the darkest moments for Palestinian children.

In just over a month since October 7th, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 5,500 children as reported by Palestinian officials. This translates to an average of one child being killed every 10 minutes in Gaza. To make matters worse, around 1,800 children are still missing under the rubble and many are feared to be dead. Adding to this tragedy, over 9,000 children have been injured with many facing life-altering consequences as a result of the conflict. These numbers are nothing short of alarming and serve as a stark reminder that war and violence continue to wreak havoc on innocent lives.

To highlight the devastating impact that this ongoing conflict has had on Palestinian children specifically is an infographic that lists the names and ages of less than half those killed in just six weeks. This infographic serves as a grim reminder that even on a day dedicated to celebrating their joy and innocence; far too many Palestinian children are faced with unimaginable trauma and loss. It is imperative that we take immediate action to ensure their safety and well-being particularly in areas affected by conflict and violence.