The escalating conflict in Gaza is taking a devastating toll on its youngest residents, with child casualties rising sharply amidst relentless airstrikes and a crippling aid blockade. The United Nations is intensifying its scrutiny of the situation as the humanitarian crisis deepens. Overnight Israeli strikes on homes in Gaza have resulted in at least 12 deaths, including children (April 30, 2025). The Gaza Health Ministry reports that since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, 2025, 2,308 people, including 595 children, have been killed across Gaza (April 30, 2025).
Rising Death Toll and Casualties
The ministry also reports the overall death toll in Gaza has risen to 52,000, which includes nearly 700 bodies for which the documentation process was recently completed. At least 35 Palestinians were killed in the last 24 hours in Israeli attacks across Gaza, including a strike on a building in Nuseirat refugee camp (April 30, 2025).
Severe Aid Blockade
The dire situation is further exacerbated by a severe aid blockade. No food, water, or medical supplies have been allowed to enter the Gaza Strip since March 2, raising alarms from international organizations. The UN rights chief Volker Turk warned that Israel’s aid blockade is threatening Palestinians’ existence in Gaza. The Red Cross warns that the Gaza aid effort is on the ‘verge of collapse’ amid the Israel blockade.
West Bank Violence
In the West Bank, Israeli forces conducted raids, including in the town of Beita, south of Nablus (April 30, 2025). Israeli settlers reportedly set fire to olive groves in Duma, south of Nablus, and stabbed a 27-year-old resident (April 30, 2025). UNRWA reports that 118 Palestinians, including at least 17 children, were killed since the beginning of 2025 (May 1, 2025). On April 23, 2025, a child was reportedly killed by live fire from Israeli Forces during a search operation in Al Yamun, west of Jenin.
International Scrutiny
Amidst the escalating crisis, the US defended Israel during the third day of hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the country’s obligations as an occupying power (April 30, 2025). The UN’s ongoing investigation aims to address the impact on civilians, especially children, and to ensure adherence to international law.