At least 322 children killed since Israel's new Gaza offensive, Unicef says

 At least 322 children killed since Israel's new Gaza offensive, Unicef says

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The United Nations agency for children says that at least 322 children are reported to have been killed since Israel launched a renewed offensive in Gaza two weeks ago.

Unicef said at least 609 other children were reportedly wounded during the same period.

"The ceasefire in Gaza provided a desperately needed lifeline for Gaza's children and hope for a path to recovery," said Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell. "But children have again been plunged into a cycle of deadly violence and deprivation."

Israel launched its renewed Gaza offensive on 18 March, blaming Hamas for rejecting a new US proposal to extend the ceasefire and free the 59 hostages still held captive in Gaza.

Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating the original deal they had agreed to in January.

Unicef said "relentless and indiscriminate bombardments" had resumed in Gaza, with 100 children killed or maimed every day in the 10 days to 31 March.

FULL ARTICLE AT: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r5827dke1o