UNICEF Reports Alarming Rise in Palestinian Child Deaths and Displacement in the West Bank Since October 2023

UNICEF expressed alarm on Wednesday over escalating violence in the occupied West Bank. Since October 2023, the number of Palestinian children killed has surged, with increasing displacement of families due to Israeli military operations. In the first two months of 2025, 13 Palestinian children died in the West Bank, seven since January 19 due to a major Israeli military operation. UNICEF is deeply alarmed by the increased use of explosive weapons, air strikes, and demolitions in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Tubas, which has severely damaged essential infrastructure, disrupting water and electricity supplies. Since October 7, 2023, 195 Palestinian children and three Israeli children have died in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, marking a 200% increase in Palestinian child deaths compared to the preceding 16 months. OCHA reports 224 minors, mostly males, died between January 2023 and January 2025 due to Israeli forces or settlers. Over 2,500 Palestinian children were injured in the West Bank between January 2023 and December 2024.