The Devastating Impact of the Gaza War on Children
Amidst the horrors of Israel’s war on Gaza, a one-month-old baby girl lies alone in an incubator. Her mother, Hanna, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, giving birth via Caesarean section without ever holding her child. The toll on children in Gaza has been devastating, with more than 11,500 children killed and many more sustaining serious, life-altering injuries.
Loss and Trauma
With entire families in Gaza nearly wiped out, medics and rescuers frequently struggle to find caregivers for bereaved children. According to a report from the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, over 24,000 children have lost one or both parents. The trauma experienced by these children is evident in their stories.
10-year-old Ibrahim Abu Mouss suffered severe injuries from a missile strike that killed his mother, grandfather, and sister. He recalls being told they were being treated upstairs in the hospital, only to discover the truth when he saw photos on his father’s phone. The loss has left him sleepless and haunted by memories.
Abed Hussein, who lived in al-Bureij refugee camp, lost his mother when a missile fell on her lap. He describes the heartbreaking task of collecting her body parts from the rubble of their house. The loss of his family leaves him sleepless and in pain.
Challenges and Desperation
Life for these children is immensely challenging. Many are left without food or water, resorting to drinking sea water and relying on aid handouts for survival. Nearly everyone in Gaza is displaced, constantly searching for safety. The United Nations Children’s Fund estimates that approximately 19,000 children are now orphaned or alone.
Identifying and Caring for Bereaved Children
Identifying and caring for these bereaved children is a difficult task. Many have been found under the rubble or at Israeli checkpoints, hospitals, and on the streets. Even when relatives can be found, they are often unable to provide adequate care due to their own challenging circumstances.
SOS Children’s Villages, in collaboration with UNICEF, has stepped in to care for 55 children under 10 who have lost their parents. They offer psychological support and specialized care for these children. One striking case is a four-year-old girl with selective mutism, an anxiety disorder that left her unable to speak about her experiences. With the help of SOS Children’s Villages, she is slowly recovering and rebuilding her life.
The Need for Mental Health Support
UNICEF estimates that nearly all children in Gaza require mental health support. The deep scars and losses they have endured will challenge their ability to rebuild their lives, even with a lasting ceasefire. The international community must recognize the urgent need for mental health services and support for these children.
Conclusion
The Gaza war has had a devastating impact on children, with thousands killed and many more left traumatized and alone. The loss of parents and the destruction of homes and communities have left these children in desperate need of care and support. Organizations like SOS Children’s Villages and UNICEF are working to provide psychological help and specialized care, but more needs to be done. The international community must come together to ensure that these children receive the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.