In Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Faten Nabhan struggles to keep her six children occupied during a summer devoid of play due to the ongoing war. Since October 2023, when Israel's military actions escalated, children in the region have faced severe disruptions in their daily lives and childhood experiences.
Summer in Gaza: A Shift from Play to Survival
For the third consecutive year, the summer holidays in Gaza have transformed dramatically. Instead of engaging in joyful activities, children now start their days with essential tasks such as collecting water from trucks and gathering food from communal kitchens. Faten, 35, lamented, “This is my children’s routine every day… this is all they do.”
The impact of the conflict is evident as families like Faten's focus on survival rather than recreation. More than 73,000 people have been killed, including thousands of children, and most of Gaza's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. “No activities, no camps, no drawing, no colours, nothing at all,” Faten said, expressing her despair over the lack of resources for her children.
Burden of Responsibilities on Young Shoulders
Faten's children, aged between 3 and 14, have taken on responsibilities far beyond their years. They assist in fetching water, gathering firewood, and managing household chores in the absence of their father, Raafat, who was killed in an airstrike. “I feel deep sorrow that they’re spending their childhood this way. This is a time for play, not a time for responsibility,” she added.
The absence of community initiatives aimed at providing psychological support further exacerbates the challenges faced by children in displacement camps. “Our children live in a forgotten corner of the world,” Faten remarked, highlighting the emotional toll the war has taken on young lives.
Limited Opportunities for Joy and Education
Asmaa Saleh, another displaced mother, finds herself in a similar situation. Living with her five children, she has managed to secure spots for two of them at a local charity's summer camp, but only once a week. Asmaa, who previously worked with UNICEF, understands the importance of maintaining some form of education during the summer.
“On camp day, they wake up early with unusual excitement, rushing to shower, style their hair, and get dressed,” Asmaa shared. However, the rest of the week consists of monotonous routines, with children helping with daily tasks in their tent. “Organised group activities are essential, but we can only provide limited opportunities,” she stated.
- Children in Gaza face severe disruptions in their summer routines.
- Over 73,000 fatalities have been reported since the conflict escalated.
- Limited resources have led to a lack of recreational activities for children.
- Many children shoulder responsibilities meant for adults.
“Play is how children reclaim what war stole from them,” said Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF’s chief of communications in Palestine.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
