The Devastating Loss of Innocent Lives
In just 15 days, the Israeli occupation forces have taken the lives of 1,756 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank, 27 children have also lost their lives during the same period. This means that approximately 120 children are being killed every day. These heartbreaking numbers were reported by the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The Unseen Toll
According to Defense for Children International, the actual number of child casualties in Gaza is even higher. This is because there are still around 1,400 people missing under the rubble of destroyed buildings. This tragic reality highlights the immense scale of the loss and suffering endured by the Palestinian people.
A Humanitarian Crisis
The Global Movement has emphasized that the Palestinian children who have survived the intense Israeli bombing are now facing a major humanitarian crisis. This crisis only adds to the already existing trauma caused by 16 years of Israeli siege and military attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The Emotional Impact
The trauma experienced by Palestinian children goes beyond personal suffering. Witnessing the killing of other children worsens their already difficult situation, leaving lasting scars on their mental well-being. Moreover, the sudden loss of entire families leaves these children orphaned, depriving them of the safety and comfort they once found in their loved ones' embrace.
A Daunting Challenge
These children not only endure the pain of their current reality but also face the daunting challenge of navigating life without the basic support of their families. The emotional repercussions they experience are profound, as they grapple with the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives.
A Displaced Population
Estimates from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reveal that approximately one million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced. Among them, over 600,000 people have sought refuge in the central and southern parts of the Strip.
Basic Needs Denied
The Israeli occupation authorities have further exacerbated the crisis by cutting off water supplies to Gaza and destroying water lines through air strikes. As a result, the majority of Palestinians in Gaza lack access to clean drinking water, forcing some to resort to contaminated well water, which raises concerns about the spread of diseases.
In addition, the occupation authorities have also severed electricity to the Strip and destroyed two out of three main mobile communications lines, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Documenting the Violations
The International Movement is actively working to document the violations against Palestinian children by the occupation forces and settlers. It is crucial to shed light on these ongoing atrocities and advocate for justice and peace for the Palestinian people.
