There is still no peace for children in Gaza

The war between Israel and Hamas has been going on for a year now.

During this time, more than 41 thousand Palestinians have been killed, including sixteen thousand children. Many have been injured, lost their parents, or lost their home.

Unfortunately, the clashes are now spreading to a larger area.

Soon, the Houthis and Hezbollah intervened in the conflict.

Tensions between Israelis and the Palestinians are nothing new. For several decades, they have not been able to agree on the peaceful coexistence of two countries.

But in the last year, life in Gaza is even more difficult than ever before.

Children and their families suffer from lack of water, food, electricity, and medical care.

They do not have a safe area to live, learn, and play.

UNICEF and other international organizations unsuccessfully call for a cease-fire. They want to protect them from violence and provide them with humanitarian aid.

Slovenia, for example, is striving for peace.

Among other things, Slovenia has symbolically recognized Palestine. The Slovene prime minister addressed the United Nations and called for an end to the war.

But in the meantime, the conflict has intensified.

Hezbollah, which is an ally of Hamas, operates in Lebanon. Many of their leaders were killed by Israel.

That’s why last week Iran – which backs Hamas and Hezbollah and supplies them with weapons – fired 180 missiles at Israel.

Many are worried that the two countries will clash even more.

Glossary

Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah is a Lebanese group opposed to Israel. It has a political and a military part. The European Union classifies its military part as a terrorist organization.

Points to Consider

1. Why should we stand up for peace?
2. How do the children feel in Gaza?
3. How can we help them?

For parents and teachers

How to talk about war

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The original version of this article was published on 7^th October.