In its 28th month, the blockade of Gaza continues to deny children their most basic needs. Confining 1.5 million people, more than half of whom are children, to a 28 mile long and 7 mile wide coastal strip has forced many Gazans to increasingly turn to painkillers as a means of escape. With an economy in ruins, and the ravages of the three week Israeli offensive ever present with no means of reconstruction, the basic rights of children continue to be denied as they face this prolonged, unnecessary humanitarian crisis.

 

The lingering devastation from last winter's war finds children sitting in classrooms without windows, poorly lit, and meagerly furnished. With winter just around the corner, dark, cold classrooms will be the norm once again, due to the blockade. Banning all but “essential” humanitarian goods in the name of security, word has come that coffee and tea have now been removed from the threat list. Stationary and textbooks for school children continue to somehow pose a danger as do pens, pencils and concrete for construction.

 

Reconstruction from the 27 December – 18 January war of homes, schools, and health facilities is impossible without building materials, most of which is sitting at borders ready for the rebuilding effort while more than 280 schools damaged from the war cannot be repaired forcing children to sit and endure the rain, snow, and cold temperatures without windows.

 

Remnants of the war have put children further in danger of death or injury from unexploded ordnance. Children live in constant fear and trauma uncertain as to when the next bombardment will come. Teachers are reporting that any loud sounds cause children to “scream” and “duck” for fear of what’s coming.

 

This is deplorable. Horrific violations of human rights and humanitarian law have become routine in Gaza with children and women suffering disproportionately. There is not a child in Gaza today who knows what life is without war. The challenges this generation faces dwarf any earlier estimates of spiraling poverty and suffering. What is happening to the children in Gaza is not only disastrous for them, their families, and their nation, but it represents an incalculable blow to all of humanity.

 

How can anyone discuss the building of peace and security without ensuring the survival of this generation? These innocent beings have lived through what no child should ever have to live through and it is incumbent upon all of us, decision makers and leaders included, to protect these children and work towards relieving their suffering while ensuring some semblance of a childhood.

 

There is an enormous amount of work to be done and all of us at Kinder USA believe we have an uphill battle that can be won together. Thank you for your continued support.