An open-ended ceasefire has brought relative peace to Gaza but it has come at a terrible cost. After 50 days of violence, at least 491 children are dead and all others have endured a profoundly stressful experience that will surely leave its mark.
Four survivors told their incredible stories to UNICEF.
Zacharia, 5
© UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1182/d’Aki
“I was sitting on the floor and was terrified at the sight of the blood on my father’s face. I could feel a great pressure on my head and the walls were shaking. We ran out on the street. I was running as fast as I could and I saw dust and shells falling from the sky. I was crying the whole time.” (Zacharia is deaf and told his story through sign language).
Aya, 12
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“It was night, but it seemed like day, with all the lights in the sky. We saw our cousins die and a neighbouring house on fire and then decided we had to go. As we started leaving, they started shelling our home as well. I could feel the pressure of the bombs on my ears. The streets were full of dead people, I saw the dead body of a girlfriend. My mother told me to take care of one of my sisters so I grabbed her and ran.” (Like Zacharia - her brother pictured above - Aya is deaf and spoke via sign language).
Mohammad, 10
© UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1055/d’Aki
© UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1069/d'Aki
“I heard the sound of planes above, and then there was death and injuries and bodies torn to pieces everywhere. I saw my best friend Mohammed Asom lying dead beside me. Then I fainted. When I woke up, I was here in the hospital.
I hope that this will stop but I’m afraid it won’t. [I want to] teach children how to love the world, how to love their families and their home. All the world [should] stand up with us children. Stop the siege of the Gaza Strip, my home."
How are we helping?
UNICEF State of Palestine's field office chief Pernille Ironside explains:
Thanks: UNICEF Australia
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