In a makeshift tent on a beach in Gaza, a three-month-old baby girl named Muntaha is struggling to survive. Her tiny body is malnourished and weak, and she winces in pain as her grandmother tries to feed her with a syringe filled with chickpea paste. This scene is all too common in the war-torn region of Gaza, where families are struggling to provide for their children amidst the ongoing conflict.
Muntaha’s family is just one of the many who have been forced to flee their homes due to the violence and destruction in Gaza. They now live in a small tent on the beach, with no access to proper shelter, food, or medical care. Muntaha’s parents are unable to work, as the constant bombings and airstrikes have destroyed their livelihoods. They are left with no choice but to rely on the generosity of others and whatever aid they can receive.
The chickpea paste that Muntaha’s grandmother is feeding her is the only source of nutrition for the baby. It is a makeshift solution to the lack of proper food and milk. The paste is grainy and painful for Muntaha to swallow, but it is all they have. Despite the difficult circumstances, Muntaha’s grandmother remains determined to keep her grandchild alive.
This heartbreaking scene is just one of many that highlight the dire situation in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on the lives of innocent civilians, especially children. According to UNICEF, more than 300,000 children in Gaza are in need of immediate psychosocial support due to the trauma they have experienced. The lack of access to basic services such as healthcare and education has also severely impacted the well-being of children in Gaza.
But amidst all the chaos and despair, there is still hope. Organizations and individuals from around the world have come together to provide aid and support to the people of Gaza. They have set up makeshift clinics, provided food and medical supplies, and offered emotional support to those who have lost everything.
One such organization is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which has been providing assistance to Palestinian refugees since 1949. They have been on the ground in Gaza, providing emergency food and medical supplies, as well as education and psychosocial support to children like Muntaha.
The UNRWA’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, they have received recognition and support from various countries and organizations. In 2019, the European Union pledged €82 million to support UNRWA’s work in Gaza, and the United States recently announced its intention to restore funding to the agency after it was cut off in 2018.
But more needs to be done. The people of Gaza are still facing unimaginable challenges, and the children, in particular, are the most vulnerable. They are the future of Gaza, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have a chance at a better life.
We must not forget that behind every statistic and news headline, there are real people with real struggles. Muntaha and her family are just one example of the thousands of families in Gaza who are struggling to survive. It is time for the international community to come together and take action to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
In the face of adversity, Muntaha’s grandmother’s determination to keep her grandchild alive is a testament to the resilience and strength of the people of Gaza. They deserve a chance at a better life, and it is up to us to provide them with the support and resources they need. Let us not turn a blind eye to their suffering and instead, join hands to make a positive impact in their lives. Together, we can bring hope and a brighter future to the people of Gaza.
