The events unfolding are both heartbreaking and perplexing.
Following Hamas's unexpected attack on Israel last Saturday, the situation
escalated dramatically as Israel declared war. The consequences have been
devastating, especially in Gaza, where relentless Israeli airstrikes have
claimed the lives of at least 260 children since Saturday, as reported by the
Palestinian Ministry of Health.
The Defense of Children in Palestine, based in the West Bank,
diligently tracks the deaths of Palestinian children. The gravity of the
situation is hauntingly described by Ayed Abu Eqtaish, the accountability
program director at DCIP, who stated, "In short, there is nobody safe in
the Gaza Strip because the Israeli missiles reach everywhere." Families
attempting to seek refuge in different places have tragically found no
sanctuary, with even those places becoming targets.
Abu Eqtaish attributes these tragic deaths to Israel's targeting of
civilian areas without prior warning. The toll on children's mental well-being
is immeasurable, especially considering the 16-year blockade in Gaza, which has
already left them vulnerable to mental health issues, as highlighted in a
report by Save the Children.
The violation of children's rights in Gaza and the West Bank has
long been a pressing concern for human rights advocates. The United Nations, as
a guardian of human rights, sets standards for children's rights, encompassing
essential aspects such as maintaining family ties and the fundamental right to
life.
The UN maintains a "List of Shame," documenting grave
violations against children during armed conflicts, ranging from killing and
maiming to sexual violence. Despite being cited for numerous grave violations,
Israel has managed to avoid being on this list, a fact that has drawn sharp
criticism from organizations like Human Rights Watch.
Akshaya Kumar, the director of Crisis Advocacy at HRW, expressed her disbelief at Israel's omission from the list despite ongoing grave violations against children. The lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the safety of children in conflict zones.
Amidst this complex and troubling situation, Abu Eqtaish emphasizes
the crucial role of global citizens in protecting civilians, especially
children. He underscores the urgent need for international pressure on
governments to influence Israel and halt the devastating conflict, preventing
further civilian casualties. The responsibility to safeguard innocent lives
falls on the shoulders of the entire global community.
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