UNICEF: One Palestinian Child Killed Every Week in the West Bank Since 2025

New York, May 12, 2026 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced on Tuesday that, on average, one Palestinian child has been killed every week in the occupied West Bank since January 2025, totaling 70 children during this period. UNICEF added that 93% of these children were killed by Israeli forces.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder stated during a press conference in Geneva that “children are paying an unbearable price due to the escalation of military operations and attacks across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”

He added that “since January 2025, at least one Palestinian child has been killed every week in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem under Israeli control.”

He noted that “this means 70 Palestinian children have been killed during this period,” and also pointed out that 850 children have been injured during the same period.

He stated that 93% of the children killed were killed by Israeli forces, adding that “most of the dead and wounded were targeted by live ammunition.”

He emphasized that UNICEF calls on the Israeli authorities to “take immediate and decisive action to prevent further killing or maiming of Palestinian children and to protect their homes, schools, and water sources, in compliance with international law.”

He added that “UNICEF also calls on influential member states to use their power to ensure respect for international law.”