Ministry of Social Development Highlights Palestinian Children's Suffering on World Children's Day
Ramallah, November 20, 2024 – Minister of Social Development, Dr. Samah Hamad, emphasized the deep humanitarian tragedy faced by Palestinian children due to the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. In her statement on the occasion of World Children’s Day, she referred to a report issued by the ministry documenting severe violations of children's rights, stressing the urgent need for international action to protect them and ensure a safe future.
The Minister explained, "Palestinian children, who should be living their childhood in innocence and safety, face the harshest forms of human rights violations that affect their lives, health, education, and even their childhood." She added, "The siege and continuous aggression not only destroy homes and infrastructure but also steal hope from our children's hearts."
Shocking Facts: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to the report from the Ministry of Social Development, the statistics reveal the extent of the catastrophe impacting Palestinian children:
One child is killed every 10 minutes in Gaza due to Israeli bombardment, with over 17,289 children losing their lives as a result of the war.
Over one million children in Gaza live in dire conditions of displacement, hunger, and despair, with approximately 35,055 children losing one or both parents.
342 schools and universities have been partially or fully destroyed, depriving 785,000 students of their right to education.
More than 70% of children in Gaza suffer from severe psychological disorders, such as bedwetting and chronic fear, due to difficult conditions and repeated bombardment.
Multiple Violations: Targeting Childhood and Denying Basic Rights
The Minister highlighted various violations faced by Palestinian children, including:
Violation of the Right to Life: The targeting of residential areas and schools has turned these places into mass graves.
Food Insecurity: 96% of children in Gaza suffer from hunger, with many surviving on only one meal a day, and more than 10,000 children diagnosed with severe malnutrition.
Health Crisis: Children have been deprived of necessary treatment due to the destruction of hospitals and the siege, leading to the spread of infectious diseases among them.
Arrests and Detention: Many children have been detained by Israeli forces, some subjected to torture, and others separated from their families.
Call for Immediate International Action
The Minister concluded her statement by calling for urgent international action from human rights and humanitarian organizations: "This World Children’s Day should be a global call to human conscience to protect Palestinian children from brutal violations and ensure their right to a dignified life and a secure future." She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Social Development will continue documenting the suffering of Palestinian children and will keep raising their voices to the world, urging everyone to stand with them in this humanitarian crisis.
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On World Children's Day, MoSD: Palestinian Children Face Harsh Realities of Loss, Displacement, Violence, & Deprivation
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