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Pattern of violence: Israel shot at least 57 children in the head or chest in Gaza, witnesses tell BBC

Friday, August 1


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In Gaza, the Israeli army has reportedly shot at least 57 children in the head or chest since October 7, 2023. Witnesses told the BBC this in a broader investigation. The broadcaster examined the stories of more than 160 children who were shot. Doctors warn that children in Gaza are disproportionately affected by the genocidal violence. Meanwhile, families are finding it difficult to find a place to bury the dead.

Due to the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip, the utter destruction, and the constant displacement of people, it's difficult to gather details about the deaths and injuries. Nevertheless, the BBC attempted to determine the fate of some 160 children shot in the Gaza Strip between October 7, 2023, and July 2025.

The broadcaster thus reveals a pattern:"95 of the 160 children were shot in the head or chest. Of the 160 children, at least 90 died from the gunshot wounds. And 66 percent are under 12 years old."

Of the 95 children shot in the head or chest, at least 57 were reportedly injured by the Israeli army, according to eyewitnesses and humanitarian organizations. Two children were reportedly hit by Palestinians: one in"celebratory gunfire" and one in a gang conflict. For the remaining children, it could not be determined with certainty who shot them.

Many children were shot while playing next to their tents in a humanitarian zone. Others were hit while trying to flee. Some were even shot in the evacuation zones established by the Israeli army.

Under international law, military personnel are obligated to ensure they are not shooting at civilians. When so many children are being shot in the head and chest, something is terribly wrong.

Wes J. Bryant, former Pentagon Defense Specialist

Wes J. Bryant, a former defense specialist at the US Pentagon, responded to the BBC investigation:"Under international law, military personnel are obligated to ensure they are not shooting at civilians. If so many children are being shot in the head and chest, something is very wrong."

Professor Nizam Mamode spent a month in Gaza as a surgeon in 2024, and he recognizes the pattern."I've lost count of how many children I've seen with gunshot wounds, indeed, in the head or chest. In a month, there must have been more than 20."

The BBC examined medical equipment from humanitarian organisations on the ground.

This isn't the first investigation to highlight the deliberate gunshot wounds to civilians. Nick Maynard, a British surgeon in Gaza, testified on NPR how one day, victims would arrive with a gunshot to the arm, the next day with a gunshot to the abdomen, and the day after that, with a gunshot to the testicles.

Medical world speaks out

Writing in the medical journal The Lancet, scientists warn that children are disproportionately affected by the violence in Gaza."Since October 7, 2023, more children have died than in other conflict zones and the highest number of children have had amputations."

The authors call for the medical community to speak out more forcefully about the situation."Because the evidence is so substantial and clear," they write."Medical facilities are being systematically dismantled: between October 2023 and May 2025, there were 720 documented attacks on healthcare, including 125 health facilities, 34 hospitals, and 186 ambulances."

"At least 1,400 doctors and other health workers have died, and 295 UN workers have died," the authors emphasize in The Lancet.

No more cemeteries for the dead

At least 60,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023. Gazans are finding it increasingly difficult to find a place to bury their brothers, sisters, parents, or children. Mortuaries are full and barely functioning. Many of the dead remain in front of hospitals, NOS correspondent Nasrah Habiballah shows in a report she produced with Palestinian journalists.

Due to the shortage of burial places, we see that the deceased are buried four or five to one grave

Imad Shehadeh, forensic doctor in Gaza

Imad Shehadeh, a forensic doctor at the morgue, testifies:"Due to the shortage of burial spaces, we see the deceased being buried four or five to a single grave." Burial places are now even being created between tents and in shelters.

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