The missing children of Gaza
Children sitting amidst the rubble of their home after it was targeted by Israeli airstrikes in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza strip, 14 May 2023
Save the Children reports on the missing Gaza children:
Countless children are missing in Gaza.
Thousands are presumed dead beneath the rubble. Others have been harmed beyond recognition by explosives, buried in unmarked or mass graves, or gone missing in the chaos of conflict. We may never know what happened to some of these children. But every one of them had a story, a family, and dreams stolen from them.
What’s happening?
Since October, Gaza has faced relentless violence which has killed over 37,000 people, including thousands of children. It follows an attack in Israel by Palestinian armed groups that killed over a thousand people, including at least 33 children. Thousands of children in Gaza are trapped beneath the stones of their towns, homes, and schools – structures flattened by Israeli bombs and destroyed by military operations.
What’s happening?
Since October, Gaza has faced relentless violence which has killed over 37,000 people, including thousands of children. It follows an attack in Israel by Palestinian armed groups that killed over a thousand people, including at least 33 children. Thousands of children in Gaza are trapped beneath the stones of their towns, homes, and schools – structures flattened by Israeli bombs and destroyed by military operations.
Many children have been detained and “disappeared” by Israeli forces. Some thrown into unmarked or mass graves or maimed beyond recognition. Others have been separated from their families and caregivers, at risk of exploitation.
Imagine you’re a parent in Gaza right now, desperately trying to find your child. If you even attempt to clear what was once your home with your bare hands, you risk your life to missiles, bullets and unexploded bombs.
Two Israeli children are still reported to be held hostage in Gaza. Their condition is unknown, and their loved ones are living with the uncertainty of not knowing if their children are alive.