[Children Crying and Eating. Photo Credit: Pixabay] 

By December 8, the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced a tragic toll of 7112 children lost due to the Israel-Hamas war that commenced on October 7, 2023, initiated by an attack from Palestine.

The root cause of the conflict lies in the dispute over land, with Israel asserting its right to inhabit the territory currently occupied by Palestine, historically claimed by the Jewish people.

The main issue revolves around the fate of Palestinian refugees and the status of Jewish settlements - whether they should remain or be demolished.

The war, beginning with Palestine’s attack, unfolded with numerous incidents, including hostage-taking, destruction of facilities, and significant civilian casualties.

A temporary truce was established on November 24, and the hostages were released during truce, allowing them to receive physical treatments.

However, the truce was marred by an incident on November 29 when Israel breached the agreement, killing two people 1 hour before its end.

Eventually the Israel-Hamas war started again after a break, causing renewed tensions.

Recent developments indicate a disturbing trend of attacks targeting refugee camps, leading to more people being killed and creating challenging circumstances.

The war is causing significant harm, especially affecting children in many negative ways.

The war inflicts emotional trauma on children, causing feelings of loss, fear, and anxiety.

BBC reports that Ukrainian children, subjected to a similar ordeal, struggle with mental health issues, and most of them are undergoing psychotherapeutic treatment.

The toll is not limited to mental health; physical harm is also widespread.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Israel attacked 39 health facilities, making the situation worse and putting civilian lives at risk.

However, the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse because of a lack of essential supplies.

Children rely on protection and education, but they are affected more than adults.

The damage to schools stops them from learning, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) says that more than 73,000 Palestinians went to schools for safety, but those places are now at risk of bombings.

The war robs children of their guardians as the government takes citizens hostage, creating an unsafe environment.

Children deserve global protection, yet they endure significant harm without adequate safeguards.

The devastating effects of the Israel-Hamas war on children underscore the urgent need for intervention and support.