Silent Killers: The Impact of War Remnants on Gaza’s Children
Since the onset of repeated Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, the effects of aggression have extended far beyond immediate destruction. While demolished buildings and ruined roads are the visible scars, Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) remain a silent danger, haunting the population—especially children. These unexploded ordnances (UXOs) have transformed into a permanent specter, threatening lives in every neighborhood, street, and agricultural field.
How Do Military Remnants Destroy the Lives of Gaza’s Children?
In Gaza, children often become victims after the fighting has ceased, not just during active strikes. Unexploded shells turn into mysterious objects that spark the curiosity of children, leading to severe injuries upon contact or proximity.
-
Accidental Detonations: In many cases, simply kicking a metal can in an open field can trigger an explosion, leading to critical injuries or loss of limbs. These incidents occur silently, compounding the suffering of families day by day.
-
Loss of Safety: Children live in constant fear of explosives in playgrounds or on paths leading to schools, destroying their natural sense of security.
Psychological Impact on Children
The impact of military remnants transcends physical injury, causing deep psychological disorders. Studies by humanitarian organizations like UNICEF and MSF indicate that a significant percentage of Gaza’s children suffer from:
-
Persistent anxiety and stress.
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
-
Recurrent nightmares and sleep disturbances.
-
Isolation and withdrawal. A child who should be living in a world of play and education finds themselves trapped by the fear of an explosion at any moment.
Occupation’s Responsibility and Negligence
As an occupying power, Israel bears the legal responsibility to clear its military remnants and provide accurate maps of unexploded ordnance locations. However, the reality is starkly different. These maps are withheld, leaving the hazardous task to Gaza’s Civil Defense teams, who suffer from a severe lack of equipment and resources due to the ongoing blockade.
Bombs Waiting for New Victims
After every escalation, the land remains laden with shells and military debris. There is no distinction between a school playground, a farm, or a backyard; all are potential sites for explosives. A simple mistake or a quick touch can lead to a new catastrophe. Dozens of injuries are recorded annually among children, while the international system remains unable to hold the occupation accountable.
Efforts to Clear Remnants: Is It Enough?
Civil Defense teams exert heroic efforts but face immense challenges:
-
Shortage of Specialized Equipment: Lack of advanced detection tools.
-
Absence of International Technical Support.
-
Lack of Precise Maps.
-
Difficulty of Access: Many contaminated areas are restricted or hazardous.
Educating Children on the Risks of Military Remnants
To mitigate this threat, a multi-layered awareness strategy is required:
-
1. School Awareness Programs: Integrating simple lessons on the shapes of UXOs and safety protocols through interactive stories and visual aids.
-
2. Media Campaigns: Producing short animated clips for children and utilizing school radio and social media platforms to reach a wider audience.
-
3. Family and Community Engagement: Training parents through workshops in community centers and mosques to recognize and report suspicious objects.
-
4. Safe Interactive Activities: Using play as a tool for education, such as using dolls or stories to help children distinguish between safe objects and suspicious remnants.
-
5. Warning Signage: Placing clear red signs and simple symbols in high-risk areas to alert children of danger.
Conclusion
War remnants in Gaza are not just side effects; they are a daily threat to children’s lives and their future. This danger cannot be eliminated without:
-
Comprehensive removal of all military remnants.
-
Full support for Civil Defense teams and international technical aid.
-
Continuous and widespread awareness campaigns.
Protecting children is not an option; it is a fundamental human and ethical duty.
