Arabic version: أطفال غزة يواجهون صيفًا من المعاناة واللعب المحدود

According to Al Jazeera,

In a partially destroyed building in western Gaza City, Faten Nabhan, a mother of six, struggles to keep her children engaged during their summer holidays. With the ongoing war severely impacting daily life, Faten finds it challenging to fill her children’s time with enjoyable or educational activities. According to Al Jazeera, this summer marks the third consecutive year that children in Gaza have faced a holiday devoid of traditional activities, as the conflict has left the region in ruins.

The war, which began in October 2023, has had devastating effects, with over 73,000 people, including thousands of children, killed. The destruction of buildings and displacement of families has forced children into adult responsibilities, such as collecting water and food. Faten lamented the loss of childhood joy for her children, stating, “This is a time for play, not a time for responsibility.”

Similarly, Asmaa Saleh, another mother living in displacement, has been trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy for her five children. Although she has managed to secure spots for two of her children at a local charity’s summer camp, the opportunity is limited to just one day a week. Asmaa noted the stark contrast in her children’s moods on camp day compared to the rest of the week, highlighting the importance of structured activities for emotional well-being.

Both mothers express deep sorrow over their children’s lost opportunities for play and self-expression. Faten pointed out the absence of resources, stating, “There are no toys, no notebooks, no crayons… not even paper and a pen.” Asmaa, who previously worked with UNICEF, emphasized the critical role of play in childhood development, noting that organized activities foster emotional growth and cooperation among children.

As the summer continues, the ongoing conflict leaves many children in Gaza with a bleak reality, where the simplest joys of childhood are overshadowed by the burdens of survival and loss. The lack of community initiatives aimed at providing psychological support further exacerbates the situation, leaving families like Faten’s and Asmaa’s to navigate these challenging circumstances alone.