There are cries the world no longer hears — children beneath rubble…

Thousands of children are estimated to be missing in Gaza, with many potentially trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings
. Rescue efforts are hampered by the ongoing conflict and lack of resources.
Here’s a summary of the situation regarding children under the rubble in Gaza:
Large numbers of children are missing: Organizations like Save the Children estimate that up to 21,000 children are missing in Gaza, including those trapped under rubble, detained, buried in unmarked graves, or separated from their families. Approximately 4,000 children are believed to be buried under the rubble, according to Save the Children’s estimates based on UN figures.
Challenges in identifying the dead: Many bodies are harmed beyond recognition, making identification by next of kin extremely difficult, especially when entire families have been killed. Restrictions on the entry of equipment and experts further hinder the process.
Difficulties in collecting data: The current conditions in Gaza make it nearly impossible to collect and verify information about the missing children.
Slow retrieval of bodies: The UN aid coordination office (OCHA) has warned that retrieving bodies using the available tools could take up to three years, and rising temperatures are accelerating decomposition and increasing the risk of disease.
The broader context of the crisis: The missing children are part of a larger humanitarian crisis that includes widespread displacement, lack of access to essential resources, and severe psychological distress among children who have survived the conflict.

…families under siege, hearts breaking behind closed borders. But as Guardians, we never forget.

Episode 8 of Virtues of the Guardians is for those whose voices still carry truth, those unafraid to speak when silence is safety.

Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a heartbreaking number of child casualties. While there have been reports of children being rescued alive from the rubble, the scale of death and injury among children is immense.

2 year old Alma. Gaza City, Al-Rimal, Omar Al-Mukhtar Street 2025

Courtesy: UNICEF Website.

UNICEF/UNI767014/Nateel 2 year old Alma. Gaza City, Al-Rimal, Omar Al-Mukhtar Street March 2025
AMMAN, 27 May 2025 – “In a 72-hour period this weekend, images from two horrific attacks provide yet more evidence of the unconscionable cost of this ruthless war on children in the Gaza Strip.

“On Friday, we saw videos of the bodies of burnt, dismembered children from the al-Najjar family being pulled from the rubble of their home in Khan Younis. Of 10 siblings under 12 years old, only one reportedly survived, with critical injuries.

“Early Monday, we saw images of a small child trapped in a burning school in Gaza City. That attack, in the early hours of the morning, reportedly killed at least 31 people, including 18 children.

“These children – lives that should never be reduced to numbers – are now part of a long, harrowing list of unimaginable horrors: the grave violations against children, the blockade of aid, the starvation, the constant forced displacement, and the destruction of hospitals, water systems, schools, and homes. In essence, the destruction of life itself in the Gaza Strip.

“Since the end of the ceasefire on 18 March, 1,309 children have reportedly been killed and 3,738 injured. In total, more than 50,000 children have reportedly been killed or injured since October 2023. How many more dead girls and boys will it take? What level of horror must be livestreamed before the international community fully steps up, uses its influence, and takes bold, decisive action to force the end of this ruthless killing of children?

Reports of Children Rescued:
In a recent incident, a 5-year-old boy, his baby brother, and their mother were pulled out alive after being trapped under the rubble of their destroyed home in Gaza City.
In a separate incident in Khan Younis, a baby girl was pulled alive from the rubble after being born amidst the ceasefire. Her parents and brother tragically died in the same strike, but her grandparents survived.
The Grim Reality:
Despite these rescues, the conflict has resulted in a devastating number of child deaths and injuries. Since October 2023, over 50,000 children have been reported dead or injured in Gaza.
Rescue efforts are severely hampered by the ongoing blockade and bombardment, leading to crippled emergency response capabilities, lack of equipment, and fuel shortages.
Children are not only being killed but also suffering from various injuries, disabilities, and mental health issues as a result of the violence and displacement.
Key facts and statistics about children under rubble in Gaza:
Estimated number: Save the Children estimates that approximately 4,000 children are likely missing under the rubble.
Presumed dead: Thousands of children are presumed dead beneath the rubble, making up a significant percentage of the total casualties.
Reason for being trapped: Structures, including homes and schools, have been flattened by bombing and military operations, trapping children underneath.
Challenges to rescue: The ongoing violence, movement restrictions, and communication blackouts make it extremely difficult to search through the rubble and locate missing children.
Risk to rescuers: Families, first responders, and humanitarian workers risk their lives due to ongoing airstrikes, hostilities, and unexploded bombs when attempting rescue efforts.
Impact of injuries: Children are more vulnerable to blast injuries and may be maimed beyond recognition, making identification difficult.
Mass graves: Hundreds of bodies, including children, have been found in mass graves, with some showing signs of torture.
The broader impact of the conflict on children in Gaza:
High death toll: Over 14,000 children have been killed since October 7, 2023. Many more are injured, and thousands are unaccompanied or separated from their families.
Unaccompanied and separated children: An estimated 17,000 children were unaccompanied and separated as of February, and the number is likely higher.
Malnutrition: Nearly all children in Gaza are at imminent risk of famine, and all children under five are at high risk of malnutrition.
Health crisis: The destruction of healthcare facilities, lack of medical supplies, and inadequate sanitation contribute to a severe health crisis, including outbreaks of diseases like polio.
Education crisis: Children have lost access to quality education, with an entire generation at risk of developing severe mental health disorders.
Psychological trauma: Children are experiencing severe emotional distress, behavioral changes, and cognitive impacts due to the violence and loss.
Organizations and their efforts:
Save the Children: Save the Children is working to identify unaccompanied children, provide psychosocial support, and advocate for a ceasefire.
UNICEF: UNICEF is providing essential services, including water, sanitation, hygiene, and mental health support.
UNRWA: UNRWA is the largest provider of emergency learning and psychosocial support in Gaza.
The situation for children in Gaza, including those trapped under rubble, is a humanitarian crisis demanding urgent attention and a definitive ceasefire.

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@UNICEF/UNI767014/Nateel 2 year old Alma. Gaza City, Al-Rimal, Omar Al-Mukhtar Street March 2025

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There are cries the world no longer hears — Palestine children beneath rubble…