Children are bearing the brunt of violence in Gaza

Abstract

Children are facing the consequences of the conflict in Gaza. Ulrike Julia Wendt explains the IRC’s role in supporting children and families, and delivering life saving aid and essential services The conflict in Gaza has been more than a geopolitical and humanitarian crisis—it is a profoundly human tragedy with severe consequences for an entire generation of Palestinian children and young people. Over a year of Israeli airstrikes, bombing, and ground level violence have killed more than 45 000 Palestinians and destroyed infrastructure and essential services. In the leadup to the recent ceasefire deal, which is in place at the time of writing, there had been no safe place left in Gaza. Families are struggling to meet their basic needs. Continuous attacks have obstructed humanitarian efforts, further limiting the delivery of crucial aid. The ceasefire is a critical moment to protect civilians, secure the release of hostages, and scale up humanitarian aid—a glimmer of hope to restore some sense of normalcy for families who have struggled to survive over the past fifteen months and to pave the way for lasting peace. Today, almost all the 2.2 million people …