Children’s dreams under wreckage in South Gaza

“Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel’s recent military operation in the Gaza Strip, resulted in the death of 163 Palestinians, 32 of which were children, and injured over 1,200 others. Six Israelis were also killed due to rocket fire. The violence in Gaza has had a significant impact on the children there, some of whom were still recovering from the last operation, in late 2008 and early 2009. World Vision looks at the thoughts and feelings of the children in its programmes, who experienced the horrors of those eight days, and asks them what the the future they hope for is like.

This is Mohammad. He is 11 years old. “I’m so angry. [The] sounds were so close, and I couldn’t play outside. My mom was keeping me safe inside the house all day long. I wanted to play with my friends, Ahmed and Khalid. I hate war. I don’t want that to happen again.” Photo by Husam Baroud, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Field Assistant.

This is Samy, 10. “I am really scared. They said they will bomb a place nearby. I wanted my little sisters to be safe. They said windows [would]] break down when the missiles bomb the house, and it was so cold. I want all kids to live in peace.” Photo by Husam Baroud, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Field Assistant.

This is Hala, 12. “What is the children’s fault? Walls were shaking and I was afraid it will fall over my head. During the war, I couldn’t sleep well, and I had many bad dreams about people dying. I wish we can sleep safely and be free soon.” Photo by Niveen Afana, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Coordinator.

“When they bombed, we heard huge scary sounds—louder than exploding balloons! I used to run and hide behind my mother. She used to say it’s ok, but I was very scared. War is not good,” says Sondos, 10. Photo by Husam Baroud, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Field Assistant.

This is Areej. She is 10 years old. “Mom said we are not going to die! And, she asked us to eat, but I couldn’t eat or sleep well. The bombing was so near, and the radio said our neighborhood was under fire, and innocent kids were suffering. I slept crying; it was a scary night. I wish no one had to die.” Photo by Niveen Afana, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Coordinator.

This is Deena, 12. “If someone slams the door, I get scared. There were too many explosions one after the other. I was really scared. It is not easy for little kids to live through such a scary thing. I dream of a better life and I want all kids around the world to live in peace and safety.” Photo by Husam Baroud, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Field Assistant.

“When they destroyed the house next door, I was expecting our house to be next. I was afraid to lose my parents; life would be so ugly without them. I dreamt that they shelled us while we were asleep. When I saw pictures on TV, I felt bad, I couldn’t talk to anyone. I was afraid. I wish someone will help and no one will get harmed. Peace is better than war,” says Loa’ay, 12.  Photo by Husam Baroud, WV JWG South Gaza Field Assistant.

This is Hisham. He is 11 years old. “During the war, I was sad. My aunt’s house was bombed. I was so worried, the house pieces flew everywhere. I thought that they were killed. But, at the same time, I couldn’t do anything to make things better. We were kind of imprisoned in our house. I don’t want that to happen ever again.” Photo by Husam Baroud, WV JWG South Gaza Field Assistant.

World Vision Jerusalem-West Bank-Gaza works to impact the lives of over 200,000 children through its programs in its 117 communities through seeking to improve the livelihoods of families and children in the occupied Palestinian territory and to ensure all children are cared for, protected and participating towards a better future- one thing that is the theme of their dreams. Photo by Niveen Afana, WV JWG South Gaza Psychosocial Coordinator.

-Ends-