Every war is a war against children
Since the 7 October attacks, violence across Gaza and the West Bank has escalated into a full-blown assault on childhood.
More than 14,000 children have been killed in Gaza, and at least 113 in the West Bank. Over 12,000 children have been injured, and at least 1,000 have lost one or both legs to amputation – many without anaesthesia. Thousands of children are missing, most likely buried under the rubble. The situation is devastating and worsening by the day.
Hospitals and schools, places meant to heal and protect, have become targets. Just 10 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are partially functioning. Nearly all schools have been damaged or destroyed.
Save the Children, with our supporters condemns all acts of violence against civilians, especially children. Grave violations like killing, maiming, abduction, and attacks on schools or hospitals are clear breaches of international law and violations of children’s rights. Those responsible must be held accountable.
Right now, Gaza’s 346,000 children under the age of five face extreme malnutrition. In Northern Gaza, 1 in 3 children under two are suffering from wasting, the most life-threatening form of hunger.
What we’re calling for
A definitive ceasefire
Unfettered humanitarian access
And urgent permission for life-saving supplies, medical teams, and equipment to enter Gaza – now
These children can’t wait
We are calling for
Unrestricted access so that lifesaving aid including fuel, shelter and medical supplies can reach children across Gaza at the scale and speed this crisis demands. Aid must never be used as a weapon.
Protection and safety for all children affected by the conflict, wherever violence has stolen their right to safety.
Respect for international humanitarian law by all parties. Grave Violations against children; including killing, maiming, abduction, and attacks on schools or hospitals must end now.
Justice and accountability for the crimes already committed. Those who have violated children’s rights must be held to account.
And finally, we call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages on both sides, including children, held in this conflict.
Because every child deserves to live free from fear, violence, and harm no matter where they are.
Children must never be deprived of the essentials they need to survive: Food. Clean water. Medicines. Medical care. Safe shelter. These are not optional. They are basic and fundamental human rights.Children must never be deprived of the essentials they need to survive: Food. Clean water. Medicines. Medical care. Safe shelter. These are not optional. They are basic and fundamental human rights.
What Save the Children is doing on the ground
Save the Children has supported children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 1953.
As of mid-January, we’ve already reached over 182,500 people impacted by the war, including more than 94,000 children, by working with local partners to deliver lifesaving aid including
- Food baskets and clean drinking water
- Hygiene kits and medical supplies
- Cash assistance for displaced families
- Psychosocial support for children who have lost homes, loved ones, and safety
As soon as safe access is granted, we stand ready to scale up our emergency response even further, we are asking for help as we can’t do it alone.
In Aotearoa
Here in New Zealand, Save the Children is raising public awareness and taking strong advocacy action. We have written directly to the Prime Minister and all major political parties, calling for:
- A definitive ceasefire and de-escalation of violence
- Protection of all civilians, especially children
- Full access for lifesaving humanitarian aid
- Accountability for violations of international humanitarian law
- Increased funding to meet urgent humanitarian needs
