Child safety and healthcare in Gaza

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Batool Ammar, a recent medical graduate from Palestine who is currently serving as PMSA-Palestine President. She is affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

When talking about wars, it is understood that vulnerable groups are the most affected, and the most shocking numbers and news recently are coming from Gaza. Since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza on October 7^th, 12550 children have been killed, and more have been injured with third-degree burns, severe cuts that needed amputations, and the psychological trauma that makes children less than 5 years wish to die.

The situation is so dire that the medical teams in Gaza had to create a name for it, WCNSF- Wounded child, no surviving family. As of February 2^nd, UNICEF estimates 17000 unaccompanied or separated children in the Gaza Strip, who have to take the responsibility of searching for hours to have access to partially clean water, and non-nutritious food.

When advocating for children rights, it is imperative to acknowledge that all children regardless of their geographical location deserve a safe and nurturing environment. They have the right to have access to water, food, healthcare, education and more importantly to live in a safe house with their families. It is frustrating to hear officials parrot the phrase “collateral damage”, and “inevitable death” when talking about the 12550 children killed. Since when are we living in a world where the killing and targeting of civilians and starving them can go on for more than 130 days? 

Even wars have rules. 

As long as the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza continues, children will suffer. There is no way to provide aid with closed borders, active military activity, and complete cut off of electricity, internet and fuel. This is a man-made catastrophe that is targeting vulnerable groups, and is leaving children to be the victim of infectious diseases outbreaks, extreme hunger and dehydration, and unsafe conditions. 

As healthcare providers, we must advocate for the saving of the human life, especially the fragile ones that are the most impacted by this situation. Only a long-lasting and an immediate ceasefire as well as opening of the borders can allow for aid entry, injured children evacuation, safe access to food and water, and a chance for physical and mental rehabilitation. 

Finally, a 17-year old child in Gaza has lived through five wars, a cycle of trauma and violence that never ends. These children do not have the luxury of developing a post trauma stress disorder as they are continuously living their trauma. We, as a world, have failed these children, and the least we can do is advocate for a ceasefire. 

About the author

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Batool Ammar, a recent medical graduate from Palestine who is currently serving as PMSA-Palestine President. With an ambition to specialize in paediatric care and a deep-seated interest in global and public health issues, she envisions a future where she can make a positive impact on children’s well-being and be a better advocate for their rights. Beyond her professional aspirations, Batool enjoys reading and travelling, indulging in the exploration of new cultures and ideas whenever the opportunity arises.