Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, a staggering number of children have gone missing, with estimates reaching as high as 21,000, according to a recent report by a nongovernmental organization. The organization revealed that around 4,000 children are feared to have been buried under the rubble of buildings destroyed during the conflict, while approximately 17,000 have been separated from their families and are unaccompanied.
Furthermore, there are reports of children being forcibly 'disappeared,' with some being detained and transferred out of Gaza, leaving their families unaware of their whereabouts and raising concerns of ill-treatment and torture.
It is noted that the accuracy of these estimates could not be independently verified. The organization also highlighted that the ongoing offensive in Rafah by Israel has led to the forced separation of more children, adding strain to families and communities trying to care for them.
A child protection specialist in Gaza emphasized the dire situation, stating that the number of unaccompanied children is increasing daily, making it increasingly challenging to provide support. The specialist emphasized the lack of safe spaces for children in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for protection and assistance.
In response to the report, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) disputed the credibility of the information, attributing it to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which is under the governance of Hamas. The IDF criticized the Ministry of Health as a source of false information and called for independent verification of the claims made by the nongovernmental organization.
The conflict in Gaza continues to take a devastating toll on children, with many facing the trauma of separation, displacement, and uncertainty about their safety and well-being. The international community is urged to address the humanitarian crisis affecting children in Gaza and work towards ensuring their protection and welfare amidst the ongoing conflict.
