World Children’s Day: Examination of Israel’s Impact on Children in Gaza Described as a ‘Graveyard’

The remains of Tala were discovered at the Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, mere hours following another harrowing bombing. Identifiable only by the pink roller skate she still wore, friends and family recognized the young victim amidst the tragedy.

The devastating loss of their child’s laughter has brought unimaginable grief to her parents, as it was silenced by actions attributed to the regime in Tel Aviv.

Mere hours before chaos ensued, Tala earnestly sought her mother’s approval to join her peers in outdoor play. Despite initial reservations, her mother eventually granted her request.

In a swift and devastating assault, a barrage of explosive ordnance thundered through HizrAllah’s residential neighborhood, shattering the previously serene atmosphere.

A sense of panic overwhelmed parents Hadeel and Hussam upon discovering their daughter was caught in the tumult outside. Tala was promptly transported to the hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries.

A recent bombing resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, highlighting another tragic incident in the ongoing year-long conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The conflict, with significant involvement from the United States, continues to draw international concern and condemnation.

As the conflict extends into its 411th day, Israeli military operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 42,985 Palestinians, with many more individuals reported missing or believed to be trapped under debris.

Since October 7, 2023, at least 17,500 children have reportedly lost their lives in Gaza due to actions by Israeli forces, translating to the death of a Palestinian child approximately every 30 minutes, according to recent figures from the Palestinian health ministry.

In Gaza, over 17,400 children have experienced the loss of one or both parents, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.

According to recent data, a staggering number of children across various age groups have fallen victim to violence attributed to the Tel Aviv administration. This includes 710 infants under one year, 1,793 toddlers aged 1 to 3, 1,205 preschoolers aged 4 to 5, 4,205 primary school children aged 6 to 12, and 3,442 high school students aged 13 to 17.

Since October of last year, an additional 209 infants have been born into a conflict that has ultimately cost them their lives.

According to recent reports, an average of 46 children lose their lives daily in Gaza. Additionally, since October 2023, approximately 25,000 children have been orphaned in the region.

Local officials report a significant psychological impact from the ongoing conflict, with an estimated 816,000 Palestinian children requiring psychological support as a result of continuous Israeli assaults.

The lives of these children have been shaped by trauma and loss. A 17-year-old in Gaza has experienced five conflicts with Israel, a 10-year-old has lived through three, and a 3-year-old has already witnessed two such confrontations.

Children in the region continue to endure life under an Israeli blockade deemed illegal by some, amidst allegations of ongoing ethnic displacement, which has reportedly intensified since the events of October 7 last year.

The issue extends beyond Gaza, as reports indicate that in the occupied West Bank, 185 children have lost their lives in the past two years at the hands of Israeli forces or settlers. Additionally, 73 incidents of attacks on children have been documented during this period.

The repercussions of Israeli military actions have reached beyond Palestinian regions, with Lebanon witnessing significant civilian casualties. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), over 200 children have lost their lives in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes in recent months.

On November 19, 2024, a report from a United Nations agency revealed that intensified Israeli airstrikes on the Lebanese capital of Beirut have resulted in the tragic death of an average of three children per day.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder highlighted a troubling trend following the deaths of over 200 children in Lebanon in under two months, stating that the response from those capable of ending such violence has been one of inaction. Elder described this situation as “a silent normalization of horror.”

Elder drew a powerful parallel between the dire circumstances confronting children in Gaza and Lebanon, stating, “In Lebanon, as is now the situation in Gaza, the once-unbearable is silently becoming acceptable, and the horrific is gradually entering the realm of the anticipated.”

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has reported that out of the 3,452 fatalities recorded in the country, 231 are children. Furthermore, among the 14,664 individuals who have sustained injuries, 1,330 are children.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza involving Israeli military actions has raised significant concerns among human rights activists and United Nations officials. They have consistently highlighted the extensive atrocities affecting children in particular, which have become increasingly pronounced since October 2023.

Elder described the beleaguered region as a “graveyard for thousands of children,” highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

More than one million children in Gaza are reportedly facing a dire water crisis, with the region’s water production capacity operating at just 5 percent of its typical daily output. In a recent statement, concerns were raised about the increasing risk of child fatalities, particularly among infants, due to dehydration.

On March 14, 2024, Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), characterized the situation as “a war on children.”

He described the situation as “a war on their childhood and their future,” highlighting that “more children have lost their lives in four months of conflict in Gaza than in four years of wars globally.”

World Children’s Day, commemorated each year on November 20, arrives this year amidst the ongoing Israeli military operations affecting children in Gaza and Lebanon.

Established by the United Nations in 1954, this day serves to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. It is dedicated to advancing the rights, welfare, and well-being of children globally.

World Children’s Day, as recognized by the United Nations, underscores the international pledge to safeguard children’s rights and improve their quality of life.

The theme for this year, “Listen to the Future,” underscores the significance of integrating children’s viewpoints into the decision-making process.

Activists assert that this theme fails to extend to children in Gaza and Lebanon, who remain subjected to ongoing Israeli campaigns perceived as efforts of extermination and ethnic cleansing.

**Sidra Hassouna, a 7-year-old child**

Sidra Hassouna, a 7-year-old girl from northern Gaza, had relocated with her family to the southern region of the embattled territory, which has been designated as a “safe zone.”

On February 14, a significant overnight assault on the city of Rafah resulted in the deaths of more than one hundred Palestinians who were seeking refuge in temporary shelters and on abandoned streets.

A missile strike fatally hit the location where the Hassouna family sought shelter, resulting in the deaths of all members, including the dismemberment of young Sidra. Husam Zamlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Kingdom, identified Sidra’s body, noting that she was a cousin of his wife.

Tragic news emerged as Sidra, along with her twin sister Suzan and their 15-month-old brother Malik, were killed in an airstrike that also claimed the lives of their parents and grandparents, resulting in the devastating loss of the entire family.

**Hala Abu Saada, Aged 13**

Hala Abu Saada, a spirited 13-year-old from northern Gaza, gained widespread attention after a video of her surfaced online, showcasing her interpretation of a children’s song using sign language.

With a plethora of ambitions, she dreamed of pursuing careers in journalism, criminal investigation, space exploration as an astronaut, and in the medical field as a doctor.

Tragically, her dreams came to an abrupt end when an Israeli airstrike targeted her residence in the Jabalia refugee camp on October 17, resulting in her death along with that of her mother, brother, and sisters.

Hala’s life has been overshadowed by tragedy from its outset, as she lost her father, Mufid Abu Saada, in an Israeli airstrike merely months following her birth in 2009.

**Awni Eldous, Age 13**

Awni Eldous, a dedicated 13-year-old gaming enthusiast and YouTuber from Gaza, aspired to attain 100,000 subscribers on his popular channel. In a video released last August, Eldous extended his gratitude to his followers for their support, which helped him achieve the significant milestone of 1,000 subscribers, and shared his ambition to reach even greater heights.

A young Palestinian from Gaza, 12-year-old Awni Eldous, introduced himself with a cheerful smile.

In late October, an Israeli airstrike targeted his residence, resulting in the deaths of him and his entire family.

In the aftermath of Awni’s passing, his channel witnessed a surge in subscribers, surpassing 1.35 million. This dramatic increase serves as a solemn tribute to his untapped potential, marked by a mere collection of ten videos.

**Young Lives: Ayah and Abdullah, Both Aged 6**

In 2017, Asmaa Mughhari took to Instagram to share the joyful news of the birth of her twins, Ayah and Abdullah, expressing heartfelt gratitude for what she affectionately referred to as her “moons.”

Her life was centered around them, characterized by love and treasured experiences frequently showcased across social media platforms.

Tragically, on October 18, their lives were abruptly ended as a result of continuous Israeli airstrikes in Gaza.

“Writing on November 3, Asmaa expressed her grief, stating, ‘It’s been 17 days since your loss. You are the true survivors, not me,’ as she continued to mourn her children.”

Images shared on her social media depict the twins joyfully singing, dancing, and making cherished memories—moments now silenced.

In a recent development, siblings Mayar, aged 9, and Bilal, aged 6, have come into focus. The young pair has been highlighted in reports, capturing attention due to their circumstances. Further details and background regarding the situation involving these children remain awaited as coverage unfolds.

Aspirational and ambitious, nine-year-old Mayar harbored dreams of a career in journalism, driven by a desire to illuminate the untold narratives of her community.

In a tragic turn of events, she and her younger brother Bilal lost their lives during an Israeli airstrike on October 23, propelling their story into the media spotlight.

Nidal Hamida, a seasoned journalist, encountered an unprecedented professional and personal challenge as he found himself reporting on the tragic deaths of his own children. The story, which proved to be the most difficult of his career, centered on Mayar, beloved for her radiant smile, and her close-knit bond with her brother, their lives tragically ending simultaneously.

During the airstrike, their father was absent, as he was reporting on the conflict for Palestine TV.

**Hind Rajab, Aged Six Years**

In a tragic incident, six-year-old Hind Rajab lost her life following an assault by Israeli forces on her family’s vehicle in Gaza.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, along with family members, have verified the distressing development.

Baha Hamada confirmed that Hind and all other occupants of the vehicle were killed.

Two weeks after her last sighting, Hind has been confirmed dead, found in a vehicle encircled by deceased family members. They were attempting to escape Gaza City in the face of advancing Israeli troops before their tragic demise.

The incident occurred on January 29, when her uncle, trying to flee the bombardment, was halted in the Tal Al-Hawa neighborhood.

Aser and Aysal Muhammad Abu al-Qumsan, newborn twins just four days old

Tragedy struck in Deir al-Balah on August 13 when a bombing by Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of newborn twins, Aser and Aysal, who were just four days old. The attack targeted their family’s residential apartment, leading to their untimely demise.

The assault resulted in the tragic deaths of their mother, Juman, and their grandmother.

A father who had departed his apartment to secure birth certificates for his newborn children was met with tragedy upon his return, finding devastation had struck his family in his absence.

In a devastating turn of events, he suffered the profound loss of his wife, mother, and children, a tragedy of such magnitude that mere words fall short of capturing its depth.

Ahmed Al-Najjar, aged 18 months

Ahmed Al-Najjar, a child just 18 months old, was among those tragically killed in an Israeli attack on May 26. The assault, described as a massacre, targeted families who had been displaced and were residing in temporary shelters in the Barksat area near Rafah.

Ahmed, together with his three brothers and their mother, tragically lost their lives in a brutal incident.

In a heart-wrenching account, Abdul Hafez described the harrowing loss of his son, Ahmed, following an Israeli airstrike. Hafez expressed profound distress upon discovering Ahmed’s remains, noting that his son’s body had been decapitated as a result of the bombing. The child was subsequently laid to rest without his head, a tragic detail that underscored the brutality of the attack.

Wissam and Naeem Abu Anza, Both Aged Six Months

On March 3, Israeli airstrikes targeted Rafah’s Al-Salam neighborhood, tragically claiming the lives of six-month-old twins, Wissam and Naeem Abu Anza.

The assault tragically resulted in the deaths of the twins, their father, and eleven additional family members.

Rania Abu Anza has expressed her deep grief, revealing the decade-long struggle she endured to become a mother before finally welcoming her cherished sons into the world.

“She revealed that three embryos were implanted, with two successfully developing and resulting in the current outcome.”

The devastating bombing shattered her aspirations and dreams, leaving a poignant legacy marked by love intertwined with profound grief.

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