The Children of Palestine

The ongoing Gaza war has intensified the suffering of children and on an unprecedented scale, with immense challenges for those affected and their caregivers. This war has resulted in the emergence of a heartbreaking new category of children: those who are wounded and have no surviving family, leaving an indelible mark on their physical and mental well-being. As of the latest reports – 17 492 children have been killed and 19 000 children have been orphaned. On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, The Moving Minds Alliance (MMA), a global advocacy impact network of organizations, partnered with The Palestinian Network for Early Childhood Development to launch a campaign titled shofoo bi oyouni (See Through My Eyes). This initiative aims to share with the world the perspectives of children enduring dire circumstances, who nevertheless demonstrate immense courage and resilience in their desire to live like children anywhere else in the world. The lives of the children of Gaza have been irrevocably impacted: their development disrupted and futures compromised. The trauma, instability, and lack of essential resources they endure are challenges no child should face. Yet, amidst these hardships, there is hope that through coordinated efforts, we can address both the immediate and long-term needs. Shofoo bi oyouni shall amplify the voices of these children, showcase locally-led ways to address the problems, and intensify the urgency for action. This editorial explores the pressing issues facing children in Gaza, focusing on mental health, education, disability and trauma, as well as the overall impact on their well-being.

Mental Health – The Invisible Scars of War:

The psychological toll of the Gaza war on children is immeasurable. Constant exposure to violence, loss, and uncertainty has created a generation grappling with severe trauma. Many children exhibit symptoms of continuous traumatic stress (CTS), anxiety, and depression. The perseverance of Palestinian children, despite these challenges, is remarkable, but professional support is crucial for long-term healing. Local initiatives have emerged to provide psychological support, recognizing the importance of community-based interventions, and parents as well as caregivers are playing a vital role. However, they too are struggling with their own trauma. Empowering caregivers with knowledge and coping strategies is imperative for creating a supporting environment for children’s emotional recovery.

Education – Learning Amidst Chaos:

It is crucial to recognize that in all conflicts; children suffer the most. For instance, the children of Gaza have had access to only one year of schooling in the past four years due to COVID-19 and ongoing conflict. Now, even that limited progress is at risk. The Gaza war has severely disrupted education, with schools destroyed or repurposed as shelters. This educational void not only impacts academic progress but deprives children of the structure of normalcy that schooling provides. In response to these challenges, local educators have developed creative ways to continue learning. Mobile classrooms, online educational platforms, and community-led initiatives have emerged. These efforts demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Palestinian educators and their commitment to children’s futures. As the war persists, addressing the growing educational gaps becomes crucial. Tailored catchup programs, accelerated learning modules, and psychological support integrated into educational settings are needed to help children regain lost ground and cope with the trauma that affects their ability to learn.

Disability, Limb Amputation, and Trauma – A Generation Altered:

The physical toll of war has left many children with life-altering injuries, including limb amputations. These disabilities present immediate and long-term challenges for children’s development and integration into society. Local organizations are working tirelessly to provide some sort of rehabilitation services and wherever possible prosthetics to affected children. However, the scale of need outstrips available resources. Efforts must be intensified to ensure that children with newly acquired disabilities receive comprehensive support, including physical therapy, psychological counselling, and educational accommodations. Alongside physical support, there’s a need to address societal attitude towards disability. Community awareness programs and inclusive education initiatives are essential to ensure that children with disabilities are fully integrated and empowered to reach their full potential.

Pregnant and Lactating Mothers – Nurturing Life Amidst Destruction:

The Gaza war has placed pregnant women and new mothers in extremely vulnerable positions, compromising both maternal and infant health. Access to prenatal care, safe delivery conditions, and postnatal support has been severely limited. Local midwives and healthcare workers are providing critical services under dire circumstances, often lacking basic medical supplies and equipment. The nutritional status of pregnant women and lactating mothers directly impacts infant health. With food scarcity and limited access to clean water, many mothers struggle to meet their own nutritional needs, let alone those of their infants. Support for breastfeeding and supplementary nutrition programs are crucial to safeguard the health of the youngest and most vulnerable. Physical and Mental Health – An Intertwined Crisis: The Gaza war has created a public health emergency that intertwines physical and mental health challenges for children. They face immediate health risks from injuries, malnutrition, and the spread of infectious diseases due to damaged infrastructure and limited access to healthcare. Local healthcare providers are overwhelmed, working tirelessly to address these urgent needs with severely limited resources. The long-term health implications of the war are profound. Chronic stress and trauma can lead to lasting physical health problems, including cardiovascular issues and weakened immune systems. Addressing these long-term concerns requires a comprehensive approach that integrates physical and mental health care.

The Path Forward – Amplifying Local Voices and ways to tackle the problems:

As we confront the devastating impact of the Gaza war on children, it is clear that local expertise and leadership is crucial in developing effective, culturally appropriate ways forward. The Palestine Network for Early Childhood Development, along with other local organizations, possess invaluable knowledge and experience in addressing the unique challenges faced by children in this context. International support should focus on empowering and scaling up existing local initiatives. From community-based mental health programs to innovative educational steps forward, local efforts have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness and resilience. By amplifying these voices and supporting these initiatives, we can ensure that interventions are both impactful and meaningful.

URGENT CALL FOR ACTION:

The situation in Gaza demands immediate and sustained international attention and action. We call upon global leaders, humanitarian organizations, and individuals to:

1 Advocate for an immediate ceasefire and protection of children’s rights.

2 Increase funding and support for local organizations providing critical services to children and families.

3 Facilitate the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, food, and educational materials.

4 Support the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure.

5 Invest in long-term mental health and psychological support programs for children and caregivers.

The children of Gaza have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that they not only survive but thrive. By supporting locally-led steps to address the problems and amplifying the voices of those most affected, we can work towards a future where every child in Gaza has the opportunity to realize their full potential, free from the shadows of war and trauma. The time for action is now. Let us join hands and stand together in solidarity with the children of Gaza. By supporting them, we invest in a more peaceful and prosperous future for all. For within the lives of these children lie the seeds of tomorrow’s leaders, peacemakers, innovators, and change-makers. It is our duty to ensure that these seeds have the chance to grow and flourish, transforming the landscapes of war into gardens of hope and opportunity.

By Moving Minds Alliance in partnership with The Palestinian Network for Early Childhood Development