Shattered Childhoods: Children in the Gaza Conflict
Vidhi Manchanda | Jan 10, 2025
Shattered Childhoods: Children in the Gaza Conflict
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 14,000 children have reportedly been killed, and thousands more have been wounded in the Gaza war.
What’s happening to Gaza’s children?
Imagine losing your home, your school, or even your family in a single moment. That’s the reality for thousands of children in Gaza. Homes, hospitals, and schools—places we think of as safe—are gone. Families are left struggling for food, water, and basic shelter. The trauma these kids are enduring seems never-ending. The occupied Palestine territory has now become the deadliest place in the world for children.
In what ways are children being affected?
Children and Families are under Constant Threat
Places where we as a society usually feel safe, such as our homes, hospitals, shelters, and places of worship, have been destroyed in Gaza, leaving children feeling helpless. They have been admitted to hospitals with severe burns and injuries, which have led to amputation as well.
Psychological Turmoil for Children
Due to the war, children are being exposed to events that are disheartening and traumatic, leading to severe psychological and mental health problems. Losing their family members, fleeing through the streets from bombs, and seeing debris filled with dead bodies, while not knowing whether they will get food or water, has made it difficult for them to cope.
Famine and Malnutrition
A lot of children have become malnourished because of less or no supply of food, making them vulnerable to diseases. Access to clean water and hygiene facilities has been disrupted, which compromises their health and exposes them to infections. Moreover, children are not able to get the necessary treatment due to a shortage of resources and not enough medical staff to look after the patients.
Disruption in Education
Schools where children used to go and study have been destroyed, leaving them with no place to finish their basic schooling. According to the reports, the war has set back education for children by up to five years. If this goes on for a longer period, children are more likely to drop out permanently. No education facilities and less awareness can make children more prone to child trafficking, sexual abuse, and psychological trauma.
How can the children be taken care of?
We cannot fathom what children are going through during this ongoing war, but we can play a small part by contributing to help them, which can make a difference.
Advocate for Peace and Ceasefire: Raise awareness on peace and push for a long-lasting humanitarian ceasefire amongst governments to help children displaced from their homes.
Protecting and Rebuilding Infrastructure: Repairing schools, hospitals, and shelters can prevent further loss of lives and improve facilities for children.
Providing Mental Health Services: Since war significantly impacts mental health, offering counselling and mental health services is crucial to help children cope with trauma.
Every gesture, no matter how small, can contribute to rebuilding the shattered lives of Gaza’s children. Together, we can give them a chance at a better future.
Shattered Childhoods: Children in the Gaza Conflict
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 14,000 children have reportedly been killed, and thousands more have been wounded in the Gaza war.
What’s happening to Gaza’s children?
Imagine losing your home, your school, or even your family in a single moment. That’s the reality for thousands of children in Gaza. Homes, hospitals, and schools—places we think of as safe—are gone. Families are left struggling for food, water, and basic shelter. The trauma these kids are enduring seems never-ending. The occupied Palestine territory has now become the deadliest place in the world for children.
In what ways are children being affected?
Children and Families are under Constant Threat
Places where we as a society usually feel safe, such as our homes, hospitals, shelters, and places of worship, have been destroyed in Gaza, leaving children feeling helpless. They have been admitted to hospitals with severe burns and injuries, which have led to amputation as well.
Psychological Turmoil for Children
Due to the war, children are being exposed to events that are disheartening and traumatic, leading to severe psychological and mental health problems. Losing their family members, fleeing through the streets from bombs, and seeing debris filled with dead bodies, while not knowing whether they will get food or water, has made it difficult for them to cope.
Famine and Malnutrition
A lot of children have become malnourished because of less or no supply of food, making them vulnerable to diseases. Access to clean water and hygiene facilities has been disrupted, which compromises their health and exposes them to infections. Moreover, children are not able to get the necessary treatment due to a shortage of resources and not enough medical staff to look after the patients.
Disruption in Education
Schools where children used to go and study have been destroyed, leaving them with no place to finish their basic schooling. According to the reports, the war has set back education for children by up to five years. If this goes on for a longer period, children are more likely to drop out permanently. No education facilities and less awareness can make children more prone to child trafficking, sexual abuse, and psychological trauma.
How can the children be taken care of?
We cannot fathom what children are going through during this ongoing war, but we can play a small part by contributing to help them, which can make a difference.
Every gesture, no matter how small, can contribute to rebuilding the shattered lives of Gaza’s children. Together, we can give them a chance at a better future.
Safety starts with knowledge
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