Growing Up in Conflict: A Look into the Lives of Children in Gaza

Writes Zeus, Content Writer, Headline Diplomat eMagazine

Introduction

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had a devastating impact on the well-being of the vulnerable population, particularly the children. It is with great sadness that we report that the attacks on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent assault on Gaza have resulted in the tragic loss of more than 12,000 innocent lives. These children, who make up a significant portion of the 1.1 million residents in the area, have been caught in the crossfire, their lives cut short due to the violence and unrest. This heartbreaking situation highlights the urgent need for peace and stability in the region, as the lives and futures of these children hang in the balance.

According to Save the Children, it is crucial to prioritize the protection and well-being of children during times of conflict. The situation in Gaza highlights several alarming realities that children face daily. These include:

1. The looming threat of famine hangs over most children in Gaza. The scarcity of food and resources puts their lives at risk and exacerbates their vulnerability.
2. The lack of educational opportunities in Gaza has had a devastating impact, with a staggering 625,000 children unable to attend school. This denial of education not only hampers their intellectual development but also limits their prospects.
3. The mental health of over 1 million children in Gaza is in dire need of assistance. The constant exposure to violence, trauma, and instability takes a heavy toll on their psychological well-being, necessitating urgent support and intervention.
4. In the next 30 days, an estimated 5,500 babies, averaging around 180 per day, are expected to be born in Gaza. This places an additional strain on an already overwhelmed healthcare system, which struggles to provide adequate care and resources for newborns and their mothers.
5. Trapped in Rafah, more than 600,000 children have no other place to seek refuge. Their lives are confined to a small area, devoid of safety and security, leaving them vulnerable to the ongoing conflict and its devastating consequences.

These distressing facts underscore the urgent need for immediate action and international support to protect and safeguard the lives of children in Gaza.

The situation faced by children and families in Gaza is becoming indescribable, and we lack the necessary resources to effectively address it. The level of devastation is unprecedented, and as tanks prepare to enter Rafah, where most Gaza’s inhabitants have already been displaced due to increasing hunger and illness, the conflict is about to escalate to its most fatal stage.

The kids in Gaza are restricted and lack a safe place to find shelter

With over 1.3 million individuals, including 610,000 children, the majority of Gaza’s displaced community is currently residing in a cramped space of only 24 square miles. This is less than one-fifth of Gaza’s total land area. As the Israeli attacks on Rafah, which is already considered one of the most densely populated regions on the planet, escalate, there is no longer anywhere for them to seek refuge.

The combination of overcrowding in shelters, the severe deterioration of basic sanitation and health services, inadequate medicine and medical supplies, an increasing number of unburied bodies, and a shortage of clean water is a dangerous situation that could lead to widespread disease outbreaks and preventable illnesses, potentially leading to the deaths of children.

The number of cases of upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, skin diseases, jaundice, and meningitis is increasing. Children are at risk of developing severe colds, malnutrition, and respiratory and skin diseases due to the lack of proper vaccinations during infancy.

The mental health of children in Gaza is under extreme strain

The current situation in Gaza is not only failing to meet the conditions for providing humanitarian aid to children, but it is also deteriorating. After enduring four months of siege and continuous bombing, the mental health of children in Gaza has reached a critical point. The violence they have experienced has caused severe psychological damage, as well as physical injuries such as amputations. In addition, they have also lost their families, homes, and schools.

Children below five years old residing in Gaza are at risk of experiencing malnutrition

The people of Gaza are currently in danger of experiencing famine and are facing a severe level of food insecurity or possibly even worse conditions. Due to four months of ongoing attacks and limitations, there has been a significant increase in malnutrition as access to food and water is extremely restricted. Additionally, pregnant women are not receiving the necessary nutrition and healthcare.

According to estimates, around 24 million children who reside in areas affected by conflict may be facing significant stress and exhibiting mild to moderate mental health issues. Moreover, there is a possibility that an extra 7 million children could potentially develop serious mental health disorders.

As the chilly and damp winter draws near, the children in Gaza are once more facing a fresh threat

Due to the upcoming winter months, many Palestinians were forced to evacuate their residences with only the clothes they were wearing. Unfortunately, these clothing items may not be suitable for the harsh weather conditions. The possibility of flooding caused by heavy rainfall will further increase the likelihood of waterborne diseases spreading. Additionally, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can compromise the immune systems of children, making them vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia.

Increasing Efforts to Deliver Aid to Gaza is now imperative

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, immediate action from the international community is imperative to ensure the well-being of at-risk children and families. However, the effectiveness of aid delivery hinges on establishing essential conditions to access these vulnerable populations.

We urgently appeal to all nations to halt the transfer of weapons, components, and ammunition to both Israel and Palestinian armed groups. This is vital to prevent further escalation of violence and to uphold international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Furthermore, we implore donor governments and the global community to expedite their financial support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Additionally, it is critical to reinstate funding from all relevant parties to ensure that essential aid reaches those in dire need in Gaza.

Conclusion

The plight of children in Gaza is dire and demands immediate action from the international community. The alarming realities they face daily, from food insecurity to mental health crises and the impending winter challenges, cannot be ignored. Urgent measures must be taken to provide humanitarian aid, halt the transfer of weapons, and bolster support for organizations like UNRWA. The time to act is now to prevent further suffering and loss of innocent lives.

Call to Action

We urge all nations to cease arms transfers to both Israel and Palestinian armed groups, as these weapons only fuel the conflict and perpetuate violence. Additionally, we call upon donor governments and the global community to increase financial support for UNRWA and reinstate funding from all relevant parties. Together, we must ensure that essential aid reaches the vulnerable children and families in Gaza, providing them with the hope and assistance they urgently need to survive and rebuild their lives.

Featured Photo: Ahmed Mulla: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/16093253/