Children like Ahmed may never know the safety of home or a childhood full of fun rather than fear.
In Gaza, thousands of children are living in camps because their homes have been destroyed. The offensive started in October 2023 and so far the death toll has reached 71,424, with 171,324 people wounded; with thousands more being displaced.
Their experience sits alongside many others, including Aya and her son, Younis.
Younis*, age 4, who suffers from epilepsy and continuous convulsions, with his mother Aya*, age 24, in Gaza, Palestine. C. ABCD/ Arete
For Aya and her family, the conflict has been devastating.
“We were displaced and forced to move from one place to another. Life was difficult: We were hungry and there was a lack of medicine for my son. I used to buy his medication, but when it became unavailable his condition regressed back to square one,” she says.
Aya explains that Younis has Trisomy and still does not speak. “He is not like other children his age,” she added. “The biggest challenge is his excessive movement: he is constantly moving, and I cannot control him.”
Aya and her family are now back in their damaged home.
“We lack necessary supplies for our children. Even my other children, who are not sick, get scared when anything happens. They come to me and ask if the war is starting again. I hope my son can become like other children his age. I pray for his healing and that I can provide him with the treatment and everything he needs,” she adds.
These stories underscore the realities brought into focus by the International Day for the Prevention of Terrorism and Violent Extremism such as the loss of homes, day to day essentials and safe environments for children, alongside prolonged fear, loss, and abandonment.
All of these will have a lasting impact on the children and their families.
*Names changed for protection.