The conflict in Gaza has left a devastating impact on the lives of innocent children, resulting in a growing number of orphans who have lost their families and their sense of security. The term “WCNSF” or “wounded child, no surviving family” has become common in the medical field, highlighting the trauma these children have endured. With over 6,000 children losing their lives and countless others left homeless and injured, the situation calls for urgent attention and support.
The war between Hamas and Israel has claimed the lives of more than 15,500 people, including parents, siblings, and grandparents of many children in Gaza. One such child is Ahmed Shabat, who miraculously survived an air strike but lost his father, mother, and older brother. Ahmed, along with his younger brother Omar, who also survived the attack, now find themselves as orphans with no shelter to protect them from continued shelling.
The impact of the conflict on these children is unimaginable. Ahmed’s uncle, Ibrahim Abu Amsha, recounts the heartbreaking moment when he found Ahmed crawling on the ground, his legs severed from the blast. The trauma and loss experienced by these innocent children are impossible to measure. Ahmed, like many of the orphaned children, had dreams and aspirations before the war stole everything from him. He dreamed of becoming a famous football player, but now his dreams lay shattered along with his family.
Muna Alwan, another war orphan, constantly cries for her mother, who tragically lost her life in an air strike. Muna’s eye was badly injured, and her jaw fractured during the attack. The psychological trauma she suffers is evident as she clings to her aunt, always afraid and in need of comfort. Muna’s older sisters, who are alive but trapped in Gaza City, add to the complexity and uncertainty of her future.
Dunya Abu Mehsen, an 11-year-old girl, survived an air strike that claimed the lives of her parents, brother, and sister. She also lost her right leg in the attack. Dunya vividly recalls the horrific moments when she saw her family covered in blood and stones, and the realization that she had lost her leg. The once playful and active girl now sits in a hospital room, her dreams overshadowed by pain and loss. Dunya aspires to get a prosthetic leg, travel, and become a doctor, hoping for an end to the war and a chance for children to live in peace.
The exact number of orphaned children in Gaza is difficult to determine due to the ongoing conflict and the challenges of identifying and registering them. The chaotic and overcrowded shelters and hospitals make it nearly impossible to establish safe and temporary care arrangements for these vulnerable children. The system to reunite them with relatives is also struggling to function effectively.
The plight of Gaza’s orphans calls for immediate attention and support from the international community. These innocent children have endured unimaginable trauma and loss, and their dreams and aspirations have been shattered. Urgent action is needed to provide them with shelter, healthcare, and psychological support to begin the process of healing and recovery. Furthermore, efforts should be made to bring an end to the conflict, ensuring the safety and well-being of all children in Gaza.
It is vital to raise awareness about the impact of war on children and advocate for their rights. Support organizations such as UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders, who are working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of these orphans. By standing together and demanding peace, we can create a brighter future for the children of Gaza and prevent further generations from experiencing the horrors of war.
