The Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of children, with the total blockade imposed by Israel exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. As warplanes continue to carry out air strikes and with Israel announcing a complete blockade of Gaza, residents have been deprived of access to essential necessities such as food and water. The ongoing conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in the bombardment of Gazan neighborhoods, including al-Karama and Rimal, leading to a rising civilian death toll, particularly among children.
The death toll in Gaza has reached at least 950 Palestinians, including 260 children, with thousands more injured, according to the Palestinian Health Information Center. The Defense for Children International (DCI), a Palestinian human rights organization, reports that since 2005, six major military offensives in Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 1,000 Palestinian children. The impact on children’s well-being is severe, with Save the Children’s country director for the occupied Palestinian territory, Jason Lee, stating that children are terrified by the violence.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s announcement of a complete blockade of Gaza has further worsened the situation. Describing Palestinians as “beastly people,” Gallant justified the move, cutting off the supply of electricity, gas, food, and water to Gaza. This blockade adds to the existing land, sea, and air blockade imposed since 2007, with Israel controlling the borders. The destruction of homes due to previous military attacks has made reconstruction slow and difficult, displacing inhabitants.
Children are particularly vulnerable under these conditions, lacking access to clean water, sanitation resources, and protection from extreme weather. The complete blockade’s food scarcity will also lead to a higher rate of food insecurity. DCI reports that children in Gaza have resorted to dangerous means of collecting food or money, exposing themselves to potential attacks by the Israeli military. The lack of water and sanitation facilities has previously caused children to suffer from diseases such as the flu and typhoid fever. Frequent electricity deficits worsen the vulnerability of children to extreme temperatures, according to DCI. Save the Children’s 2022 report reveals that four out of five children in Gaza live with depression, grief, and fear, with more than half experiencing suicidal thoughts. Witnessing the deaths of other children further traumatizes them.
As a result of the Israeli air strikes, over 73,000 Palestinians have sought refuge in 64 schools run by UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. However, even schools are no longer safe spaces, as at least four schools in Gaza have suffered damage from Israeli bombing, according to UNRWA. The destruction of the Al Fakhoora school, which provided scholarships to Palestinian students in need, by air strikes highlights the devastating impact on education. The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation condemned these attacks, stating that they constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The constant fear of Israeli incursions adds to the distress experienced by students in Gaza. The Ministry of Education has implemented training programs for teachers and students in schools near the Gaza borders to conduct evacuation drills in case of an attack.
In conclusion, the Israeli air strikes and blockade in Gaza have had a devastating impact on Palestinian children. The loss of lives, destruction of homes, and deprivation of basic necessities have left children vulnerable to physical and mental health issues. Schools, meant to be safe spaces for learning, have also been targeted, further disrupting education. The international community must address this humanitarian crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution to protect the rights and well-being of Palestinian children.
