GAZA, 4 August 2026 - The bodies of 40 children were among 112 Palestinian people buried today in Gaza, in one of the largest collective funerals in the occupied Palestinian Territory since conflict erupted in October 2023.
Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said:
“We are witnessing heartbreaking scenes in Gaza today, where the families and friends of dozens of children and adults were finally able to put their loved ones to rest.
"No family should go through the pain of losing their child, and then on top of this, suffer the indignity of not being able to bury their bodies. Yet for countless families in Gaza, that has become their reality. Israeli authorities continue to restrict access for search and recovery teams and prevent the entry of the heavy machinery, specialist equipment, and forensic resources needed to recover those still buried beneath the rubble.
“These restrictions must be lifted immediately. Families have the right to recover, identify, and mourn their children. Israeli authorities must also stop the airstrikes that continue to leave more families grieving the painful loss of their loved ones.
“Search and recovery teams must be given greater access to destruction sites, and heavy machinery, specialist equipment, and forensic resources must be allowed access to reach those still buried beneath the ruins. Families have the right to recover, identify, and mourn their children. “
The children’s remains were recovered from beneath the rubble of a residential block destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City in November 2023. Despite the recovery operation, the search is far from over. An estimated 157 more people are still believed to be buried beneath the rubble of the same residential block, according to news reports. The funeral is a stark reminder that the human toll of the war continues long after the bombing stops.
More than 21,000 children have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, while July marked the deadliest month for Palestinians since the "ceasefire" came into effect.
Save the Children has worked in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1953, with a permanent presence since 1973. We work with partners to provide healthcare and nutrition services, quality education, child protection, early childhood development support, cash assistance, and other essential humanitarian aid.
ENDS
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