The Israeli occupation, which has officially persisted since 1948, continues today with increasing violence. According to the 2023 data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 40.4% of Gaza's population consists of children aged 0-14, while 27.8% are young people aged 15-29. Additionally, Gaza has the highest birth rate at 3.9.In a region with such a high child population, the limited availability of education, healthcare, and basic sociological and psychological needs is already exacerbating the pressure on children. Schools, which are already insufficient for the current students, are being destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Hospitals and residential areas are still being bombed by Israel.
No Electricity and Fuel
The Gaza Strip covers an area of approximately 365 square kilometers and is home to 2.3 million Palestinians. The closure of Gaza for the past 15 years has restricted the movement of Palestinians, limiting access to essential healthcare and education for all children. Moreover, poverty in the West Bank and Gaza has reached critical levels, with 40% of families living below the poverty line. Following the war that began on October 7th, electricity and fuel have been cut off in Gaza. The lack of electricity has worsened food shortages, made refrigeration impossible, and rendered many daily-use devices ineffective. Palestinians, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are going through a time when humanitarian aid is critical to their survival. Many pregnant women are at high risk and can no longer access basic necessities.
Over One Hundred Children Die Every Day
Since October 7th, over 6,000 bombs, weighing a total of 4,000 tons, have been dropped on Gaza. As a result of the bombings, more than 5,500 buildings have been destroyed. In just 14 days, the number of children killed reached 1,756. According to a published report, more than 100 children are dying every day. On October 13th, Durra Children's Hospital was hit by phosphorus bombs dropped by Israeli warplanes. Furthermore, on October 18th, Israel's attack on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital resulted in the death of 471 people and the injury of 314 others in just one day. It is known that 70% of the victims were children, women, and elderly individuals. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, there are still approximately 1,400 people trapped under rubble, 700 of whom are children.
Orphans in Gaza
It is known that at least 22,000 children in Gaza are orphans, and with each passing day, the number of orphaned children continues to rise due to the ongoing attacks. Furthermore, the psychological impact of the trauma experienced by children who survived Israel's inhumane attacks on hospitals, mosques, and churches—regardless of the target—cannot be understated. According to a 2022 study by the Save the Children Foundation, 80% of the children in Gaza already show symptoms of depression due to the ongoing blockade. The horrific experiences they have endured, the destruction of their homes and surroundings, and most painfully, the loss of their parents and loved ones, are sadly exacerbating the psychological issues faced by these children.
Orphaned children, as well as those who may be classified as social orphans due to material and emotional losses despite having living parents, require socio-economic and psychological support to continue their lives. It would not be an exaggeration to say that all children in Gaza, particularly orphans, need such assistance. As noted by Muhammed Ebu Rukbeh, a staff member of Defense for Children International, "The repercussions of this war will not only affect the victims who have lost their lives and loved ones, but it will also have a catastrophic impact on us civilians and especially children."
May Allah be the helper and protector of our Palestinian brothers and sisters, especially the children. May He grant them swift and righteous victories in the near future.
