Tenfold increase in Gaza child mortality since October 7

In a new study, MSF revealed that the death rate among children under five in the Gaza Strip has increased by a factor of ten since the Zionist regime launched its attack on October 7, 2023 — a rise that reflects a catastrophic humanitarian reality in the besieged enclave.

The study, conducted by MSF’s affiliated research center "Epicentre" on 2,523 staff members and their families, showed that the overall mortality rate in Gaza is now five times higher than before the war. Meanwhile, mortality among infants under one month old has increased sixfold.

According to the data, over 2% of survey participants died between October 2023 and March 2025, while 7% were injured — most due to explosions. The findings also showed that 48% of those killed in airstrikes targeting the homes of MSF staff were children, 40% of whom were under the age of 10.

Doctors Without Borders stated that these results are consistent with data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, describing the situation as a “systematic disregard for the lives of children,” and asserting that the Zionist regime's war is targeting the entire Palestinian population.

Amandine Bertrand, MSF’s Deputy Head of Emergency Medicine, said: “The children of Gaza are being wiped out.”

 She added: “Israel’s allies must do everything in their power to stop the genocide that is unfolding before our eyes.”

Although the sample group in this study is not fully representative of Gaza’s entire population, MSF confirmed that even among healthcare workers — who are assumed to have better access to treatment — two-thirds of individuals with chronic illnesses have experienced interruptions in care.

MSF concluded its statement by emphasizing: “Israel is carrying out a systematic campaign to destroy Gaza’s healthcare system and the means of survival for the entire population.”