More Than 21,700 Palestinian Children Killed in Gaza Since October 2023

More than 21,700 Palestinian children had been reported killed in the Gaza Strip by June 30, 2026, according to UNICEF. The figures reflect the devastating impact of the war on children since October 2023.

How the Death Toll Increased

2023: More than 5,350 children killed
Between October 7 and December 31, 2023, more than 5,350 Palestinian children were reported killed in Gaza, according to UNICEF’s year-end report. The figures documented the devastating impact of the first months of the war.

2024: At least 14,500 children killed since the war began
By the end of 2024, UNICEF reported that at least 14,500 children had been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. This represented an increase of approximately 9,150 compared with the reported figure for the end of 2023, based on the published totals.

2025: More than 20,000 children killed since October 2023
By the end of 2025, UNICEF reported that at least 20,000 children had been killed since the war began. Compared with the cumulative figure reported at the end of 2024, this marked a further increase of approximately 5,500 children.

First half of 2026: More than 21,700 children killed
By June 30, 2026, the reported cumulative toll had risen to at least 21,700 Palestinian children killed. This was approximately 1,700 higher than the figure of 20,000 reported by UNICEF for 2025.

These differences are approximate calculations based on published cumulative figures, not independently verified annual death totals. Reporting dates and subsequent updates may affect comparisons.