Report Says Up to 21,000 Children Missing or Separated From Families in Gaza

Report Says Up to 21,000 Children Missing or Separated From Families in Gaza

A new report warned that the number of children missing or separated from their families in the Gaza Strip may be as high as 21,000 amid ongoing hostilities. The figures were cited by humanitarian organisations working in the territory following months of large-scale displacement and military operations.

The report stated that many children were separated from parents during evacuations, airstrikes, and ground operations, while others remain unaccounted for due to the destruction of homes, hospitals, and civil records. Aid agencies said the collapse of communication networks has further complicated efforts to locate missing children.

The United Nations reported that nearly 15,000 Palestinian children have been killed since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, based on data provided by health authorities and humanitarian partners operating in Gaza.

Humanitarian organisations said children who are unaccompanied or separated face heightened risks, including injury, exploitation, and lack of access to medical care, food, and shelter. Agencies called for urgent measures to identify, protect, and reunite separated children with surviving family members.

Israeli authorities have stated that their military operations are aimed at Hamas targets and that steps are taken to reduce harm to civilians. Calls for humanitarian pauses and improved access for aid workers have continued as the conflict persists.