UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell told the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday that more than 17,000 children have been killed during the 21-month war in Gaza, an average of 28 every day—“the equivalent of an entire classroom.” She stressed that the victims "are not combatants" and urged the Council to ensure greater protection for children and unhindered humanitarian access. Russell added that roughly 33,000 children have been injured over the same period, underscoring what she called an unprecedented child-protection crisis. She warned that Gaza’s overwhelmed health system is unable to cope with the influx of wounded and malnourished youngsters. In a separate briefing, UNRWA acting director for Gaza Sam Rose put the daily death toll even higher, at 35–45 children, and said the territory now records some of the world’s highest rates of child amputations and acute malnutrition. UNICEF data show at least 66 children have already died from hunger-related causes amid continuing restrictions on aid deliveries. The Gaza health ministry estimates the overall Palestinian death toll at about 58,600, a figure that excludes thousands believed to be buried under rubble. Both UN agencies called for an immediate cease-fire and for Israel and militant groups to allow unimpeded relief operations to avert further loss of young lives.