Children in Gaza Suffer Amidst Israeli Strikes and Forced Displacement
The once peaceful and carefree lives of children in Gaza have been shattered by the ongoing Israeli strikes and forced displacement. The impact of the conflict on the young population is devastating, with children experiencing violence, homelessness, starvation, and disruption to their education. The situation has only worsened since the war began, leaving young people in the strip even more vulnerable.
Gaza, home to 2.2 million people, half of whom are under the age of 18, already faced numerous challenges due to Israel’s partial blockade. The life expectancy for Palestinians in Gaza was a decade shorter than in Israel, and rates of neonatal, infant, and maternal mortality were three times higher. Now, with the war raging on, life for children in Gaza has become even more fragile.
Israeli attacks have taken a toll on the young population, with over 30,000 Palestinians killed, including 12,550 children. On average, almost 90 children have been killed per day since the start of the war. The destruction of homes and neighborhoods has left nearly 30% of Gazans without a place to return to.
The impact on children’s physical and mental well-being is profound. Many have sustained life-altering injuries, with around 1,000 children losing one or both legs. The medical system in Gaza has been crushed by Israel’s bombardment and besiegement of hospitals, making it difficult to provide life-saving treatment to wounded Palestinians.
Forced displacement has led to insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition among children. More than 610,000 children have sought refuge in cramped shelters, where they face unsanitary conditions and lack of privacy. The disruption to their lives has left them psychologically traumatized and deprived of a normal childhood.
Education has also been severely affected, with school buildings being directly hit by bombardments. At least 160 school buildings have been damaged, and 26 destroyed. Children in Gaza are expected to lose at least a year of education due to the war.
The psychological toll on children is evident, with symptoms such as bedwetting, nightmares, separation anxiety, and fear of leaving the house. The number of children in need of mental health support has doubled to over 1 million since the start of the war.
Parents in Gaza feel helpless as they struggle to protect their children from the harsh reality of war. Limited resources and lack of safe spaces make it difficult for them to provide the necessary support and care.
The suffering of children in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that cannot be ignored. The international community must take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of these innocent lives. The children of Gaza deserve a chance to live like children everywhere else in the world.
