The Silent Suffering of Children in Gaza
Imagine a child huddled in a corner of a makeshift camp. She holds her teddy bear, one of the few remnants of her previous life. Her muddied gray clothes cling to her malnourished body covered in rashes. A distant explosion rumbles. The child’s body jolts, her eyes widen in panic.
Over 16,000 children in Gaza have lost their lives since last October, and thousands more have sustained injuries that will leave physical and emotional scars for a lifetime. Not to mention, one million children require psychological support, according to UNICEF.
In this humanitarian crisis, there are no safe spaces; every child in Gaza is exposed to the traumatic experiences of conflict.
The Toll of Displacement
According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, around 1.9 million people—about 9 in 10 of Gaza’s population—are estimated to have been internally displaced. A huge majority are children. Many have been forced to flee their homes multiple times, navigating a relentless cycle of chaos and fear. Their previous shelters, whether crumbling apartments or makeshift schools offer little protection against the horrors outside.
Without a stable environment, children are deprived of the opportunity to learn, play, and heal. Alaa, a 7th grader, is one of many children whose lives have been interrupted. Many like her, struggle with feelings of fear, abandonment, and grief. With approximately, 80 percent of schools in Gaza destroyed, children are now deprived of the support they so desperately need.
The Struggle for Survival
Water, food, fuel, and medicine are scarce, and families are left scrambling to meet their most basic needs. With many wastewater treatment plants damaged, sewage contaminates the streets, increasing the risk of deadly diseases like diarrhea and skin infections. As of June 30, the World Health Organization reported that there were over 65,000 cases of skin rashes in Gaza, and over 100,000 cases of scabies and lice.
Not to mention, the destruction of hundreds of groundwater wells has left many struggling to access clean water. Read more about Gaza’s water crisis.
The Urgent Need for Protection
These children need protection, both physically and emotionally. Medical facilities, already overwhelmed, are at risk of becoming inoperative as the conflict continues. Efforts must be made to safeguard these remaining services to ensure that children can access the care they so desperately need. Humanitarian organizations like ours are working through our partners on the ground to provide food, water, and emergency aid to the Gazans.
Supporting aid agencies and advocating for a ceasefire can help alleviate the suffering of the people of Palestine and help children like Alaa thrive and survive.
A Call to Action
Each child in Gaza represents a life filled with potential, dreams, and resilience in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on their suffering, we must remember that these children are not statistics -- they are future leaders, artists, and changemakers who yearn to thrive.
Let us stand in solidarity with the children of Gaza, ensuring they are not forgotten and their dreams for a brighter future remain alive.
