The ongoing blockade of Gaza is causing severe humanitarian hardship and the situation is getting worse every day. The borders in Gaza have been closed for over two years now with only a trickle of food and humanitarian aid allowed to enter.  Just enough to keep children alive, but not living. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a recent report details that children are suffering from “deep psychological problems” since the recent Israeli military operations. Reconstruction efforts are at a halt due to the siege of Gaza that is entering its third year.  According to the ICRC, only 2,662 truckloads of goods entered Gaza from Israel in May of this year – a decrease of almost 80 per cent from the 11,392 truckloads allowed in during April 2007, just prior to the Hamas takeover of Gaza.

Over 70% of Gazans now live in poverty and malnutrition continues to increase among the most vulnerable - the children, with newborns entering the world anemic along with children under five and women of childbearing age. Children are being held hostage to the siege with one-fifth of school aged children reportedly iodine deficient while over 61% aged 9 - 12 months old suffer from anemia. The irreversible, long-term effects of such deficiencies include stunted growth, a diminished capacity to learn, and difficulty in fighting off infections.   

Child labor is on the rise as children under the age of 15 are entering the workforce to assist heads of household in providing food for the family. 

Finally, with the school year about to begin in Gaza, 18 schools that were completely destroyed and the 280 others that were damaged over six months ago by the Israeli military have not been rebuilt or rehabilitated.  Again, this is because of the blockade and restrictions placed on the movement of reconstruction materials and other supplies into Gaza.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, access to education is an obligation of all governments. 

With the continuing closure, restrictions on imports make it virtually impossible for Gazans to rebuild their lives.

Former President Jimmy Carter during his recent trip to Gaza stated, “Tragically, the international community largely ignores the cries for help, while the citizens of Gaza are being treated more like animals than human beings.”

Kinder USA continues to do all within our power through your generosity.  As we prepare for our farmers program during the month of Ramadan, we will be contacting all of you to help in bringing food to the most vulnerable. 

The future of the children Gaza should not be reduced to a pile of rubble.  We must work together to rebuild not only the structures, but lives. The children in Palestine have the same rights as all children:  to grow in good health, peace and dignity. Thank you for your continued support and doing your part to make this possible.