The recent conflict in Gaza has left many wounded children without any surviving family members, leading to a heartbreaking situation that demands immediate attention and support. British doctor Ghassan Abu Sittah, who is currently working at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, has been treating the victims of Israel’s retaliatory airstrikes after Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel. Dr. Abu Sittah has witnessed the devastating consequences of war, particularly the phenomenon of wounded children with no surviving family.
The impact of such a situation is immeasurable. These children are not only facing physical injuries such as burns, shrapnel wounds, and head injuries, but they are also dealing with the immense emotional trauma of losing their families. The loneliness they experience is unimaginable, as they have no one left to care for them and provide the love and support they need to recover.
The number of wounded children in Gaza is alarmingly high, with approximately 40% of the patients being brought to the hospital being children. The injuries they sustain are horrific, with blast injuries, burns, and fallen masonry being common. Many are found buried under the rubble of their destroyed homes, making their survival even more miraculous.
Moreover, the casualties from the conflict are staggering, with at least 2,750 people killed, a quarter of whom are children. Nearly 10,000 people have been wounded, and there are still around 1,000 people missing and believed to be trapped under rubble. The scale of those left without family members is expected to be immense, as organizations like CFAB, an international social service network, prepare to provide support for these orphaned children.
However, the situation is further complicated by the involvement of Hamas, who have taken hostages into Gaza, including young and disabled children. Negotiations for their release are ongoing, adding another layer of difficulty to the already dire circumstances. It is crucial for humanitarian organizations and governments to work together to ensure the safe release and reunification of these children with their families.
In the midst of this tragedy, psychosocial support and counseling are crucial for the affected children. Even before the conflict, there was a high demand for such services, indicating the urgent need for mental health support in Gaza. The trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression these children are experiencing demand immediate attention and intervention. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and other groups working with refugees have already witnessed a significant increase in the need for psychosocial support.
It is disheartening to learn that even amid this crisis, Dr. Abu Sittah’s family in the UK has faced harassment from counter-terrorism police. Such actions only add to the distress and anxiety of those involved in providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza. It is imperative that the focus remains on addressing the needs of the wounded children and supporting the doctors and aid workers on the ground.
Additionally, there are challenges related to the safety of those in northern Gaza who have not followed the Israeli military’s warning to move to the south of Gaza. The areas claimed to be safe are also being targeted, making it difficult for people to find a safe haven. Many fear being forced out of the territory entirely and becoming refugees once again, which is a painful part of Palestinian identity that they wish to avoid.
In conclusion, the impact of the conflict in Gaza on wounded children with no surviving family members is severe and demands immediate attention. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and loneliness these children face are unimaginable. It is crucial for humanitarian organizations, governments, and individuals to come together and provide the necessary support, including medical treatment, mental health services, and efforts to reconnect children with their families. Additionally, the harassment faced by aid workers, such as Dr. Abu Sittah, must stop to ensure an environment conducive to providing effective assistance. The ongoing conflict and its consequences highlight the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to prevent further suffering and protect the rights of children.