Lives changed forever by war in Gaza
Gaza’s children remain trapped in the jaws of conflict. Even for those who survive their injuries, life will never be the same.
The weeks since the breakdown of the ceasefire in Gaza have seen yet more pain and tragedy piled on top of what was already almost unfathomable loss. The ongoing bombardments, and the complete block on aid and supplies entering the Gaza Strip, have strained the humanitarian response to the limit.
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Since the start of this war in Gaza, thousands of children have been killed and many thousands more have been injured. But even for those who survive the injuries, life will never be the same. These are some of their stories.
Following intense bombardments in eastern Gaza, Maryam and her family were getting ready to evacuate when two shells struck their home killing her mother and two of her siblings. Maryam was struck by shrapnel in her right hand. One of her sisters who survived the shelling also suffered multiple shrapnel wounds.
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“Maryam was just like any other child. She dreamed of growing up, continuing her education,” her grandmother says. “Now she has lost her mother and her siblings. Stop the war.”
Khaled was severely injured in a strike near his home in Gaza City. His father recounts the harrowing moment he discovered Khaled lying in a pool of blood. Khaled was rushed to a hospital where he was found to have suffered injuries to multiple organs.
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“I almost lost Khaled,” his father says. “I pray with all my heart for his recovery.”
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Mohammed, 11, was injured at a school that was being used as a shelter. He was taken to a hospital where he received treatment.
“But the memory of what happened that day stays with me,” he says.
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Ghada was playing with friends when their shelter was hit. She was injured in the attack, and her hand was amputated.
“She used to wait for the afternoon to come each day, to gather with her friends and play. That’s what kids do at that age,” Ghada’s father says. “But in a single moment, Ghada lost her hand, and she lost her friends.”
Ibrahim, 10, was injured when a neighbouring building collapsed while he was having a meal with his family.
Fatima, Ibrahim’s sister, recalls the events:
“We were all in shock,” says Fatima. “We found him lying in the rubble. He was unresponsive, and my father immediately provided first aid until he saw movement in his legs.”
“With emergency teams unable to reach us, my father carried him to the hospital.”
But because of the shortage of staff and medical supplies, Ibrahim had to wait to be treated.
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“We all prayed for him, and we were relieved when the surgery was successful,” Fatima says. “We’re holding onto to hope for his full recovery.”
The health system in Gaza is overwhelmed as it receives evermore casualties. The intense bombardments, mass displacement, and blockade on humanitarian aid have forced UNICEF to scale back mental health and psychosocial support, education about mines and other explosive ordnance, as well as the management of child protection cases more broadly, leaving children even more vulnerable as they grapple with the devastation and loss around them.
The world cannot stand by and allow the killing, maiming, and suffering of children to continue. Civilians must be protected. Hostages must be released. The aid blockade must be lifted and commercial goods allowed to enter Gaza. The ceasefire must be renewed. And a lasting political resolution must be found that prioritizes the rights and well-being of this and future generations of children.
