Arabic version: أطفال غزة يتحملون صدمات مدى الحياة نتيجة الهجمات المستمرة
Seven-year-old Hala Lubbad lies on her bed in al-Shifa Hospital, her small body weighed down by her injuries from an Israeli attack on June 2, which took the lives of her parents and two siblings. Hala’s aunt, Haneen Lubbad, now cares for her and recounts the tragic night when Hala was the sole survivor of the family home fire. Hala’s physical injuries are compounded by the psychological trauma of losing her family, as she repeatedly asks for her parents.
According to Al Jazeera, nearly 17,000 children in Gaza have either been orphaned or separated from their parents or primary caregivers since Israel’s genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza began in October 2023. The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 21,289 children and left many more with severe injuries. Psychologists warn that these children face heightened risks of trauma, anxiety, and depression.
The situation remains dire despite the announcement of a ceasefire last October, with reports of continued Israeli attacks. UNICEF has documented that approximately one child is killed each day, with hundreds more sustaining injuries. Hala’s case is just one among countless others, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on the youngest victims.
Two-month-old Mohammed al-Khatib, who lost his mother in an Israeli strike, is another example of the harrowing toll on children. He has undergone multiple surgeries to treat severe injuries, including the amputation of his left leg. His father, Ahmed al-Khatib, expresses his heartbreak as he navigates the challenges of raising his two young sons in the aftermath of such loss.
Access to adequate medical treatment for injured children remains critically limited, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of their injuries. Health officials warn that delays in care can severely hinder recovery chances, compounding the already significant trauma experienced by these children. The plight of Gaza’s children continues to draw attention as they grapple with the painful realities of war and loss.
