UNICEF has reported a staggering increase of nearly 250% in child casualties in Palestine's West Bank since the onset of Israeli genocide in October 2023.

Although the Israeli aggression is centered in the Gaza Strip, the aggression has had severe repercussions across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

According to the latest UNICEF statement, 143 children have been killed in the West Bank since October, a sharp rise from the 41 deaths recorded in the preceding nine months. Additionally, more than 440 Palestinian children have been injured by live ammunition during the same period.

UNICEF Director Catherine Russell condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression, stating that the situation for children in the West Bank has "deteriorated significantly." She highlighted frequent reports of children being detained or shot while walking home from school. Russell emphasized the urgent need for an end to the aggression.

While the figures for child casualties in the West Bank are alarming, they are overshadowed by the more severe toll in Gaza. A UN report from May indicated that 7,797 children had been killed in Gaza, with women and children making up 52% of fully identified fatalities.

The UN's statement underscores the far-reaching impacts of the genocide and the critical need for immediate action to protect civilians, especially children, in affected areas. (ILKHA)