More than 20,000 children "missing" in Gaza due to Israeli genocide: report

Over 20,000 children in Gaza have been missing since the beginning of the Israeli assault, with many detained, separated from their parents, buried in unmarked graves, or trapped under rubble, Save the Children reported on Monday.

The displacements caused by Israel’s incessant attacks on humanitarian zones have also led to children going missing and increased the burden on families taking care of those separated during the chaos of the IDF military assault.

In a press release, the organisation stated that its teams on the ground in Gaza have reported that “at least 17,000 children are believed to be unaccompanied and separated, and approximately 4,000 children are likely missing under the rubble, with an unknown number also in mass graves."

Some children are known to have been forcibly disappeared, detained, or sent out of the enclave. The volunteer teams have urged international organisations to take action considering the severity of the crisis in Gaza.

Although the teams try to help separated and unaccompanied children find their parents, ongoing Israeli attacks have made it difficult for people to access those families who are constantly displaced. 

“Neighbours and extended family members who have taken in lone children are struggling to meet their basic needs, such as shelter, food, and water. Many are with strangers – or completely alone – increasing the risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect,” the humanitarian organisation shared the information on its website.

"As many have pointed out, Gaza has become a graveyard for children, with thousands of others missing, their fates unknown. There must be an independent investigation and those responsible must be held accountable," the report said.

Children in Gaza have faced an unbelievable amount of brutality, with 14,000 killed and many unidentifiable due to the severe harm their bodies suffered. 

The UN also reported discovering children’s bodies in mass graves, showing "signs of torture, summary executions, and even instances of people being buried alive."