In the midst of profound adversity, the children of Gaza continue to demonstrate resilience and hope through community-driven initiatives that spotlight their struggles and aspirations. A recent marathon organized by International Networking for Humanitarian (INH) Indonesia brought together young orphans to not only commemorate their lost loved ones but also to celebrate their strength and unity—marking a poignant reminder of childhood amid the ravages of conflict. This event, held in Khan Younis, serves as both a tribute to those affected and a vital call for greater compassion and support in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – As the whistle blew, a wave of energy surged through a crowd of young children, momentarily overshadowing the devastation that surrounded them. Cheered on by supportive friends and family members, dozens of boys and girls raced in a spirited event aimed at amplifying awareness for the challenges faced by children who have lost one or both parents during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Thirteen-year-old Saif Hijazi, who has been left paralyzed following an Israeli artillery strike, was unable to participate in the race but watched from his wheelchair as his younger siblings joined other orphaned children. Their spirited participation symbolized not just resilience but also a community united in support. “I miss my father every day. He used to take care of everything for us,” Saif shared, capturing the emotional weight of loss experienced by many in the region.
Since October 2023, more than 73,000 individuals, including a tragic number of children, have perished due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza, with over 58,000 children now orphaned. UNICEF warns that more than a million children within Gaza require urgent psychosocial support as they struggle to navigate the impact of war on their lives and futures.
In an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the plight of these orphaned children and motivating support for their caregivers, INH Indonesia orchestrated this marathon in Khan Younis. Often the most vulnerable in wartime, orphaned children face extreme challenges related to food insecurity, healthcare access, and general emotional wellbeing. The event offered not only a public platform for these children but also a reminder of the communal bonds that can inspire hope even in the face of adversity.
“Orphans are always among the most affected groups in wars,” emphasized Mohammed Yassin, project coordinator at INH Indonesia. He underlined the increasingly urgent need for sustained support for families in Gaza that have been impacted by loss and displacement. “When a family loses its primary earner, their struggle to secure basic necessities becomes even more pronounced,” he noted.
Warda Hijazi, Saif’s mother, knows this burden intimately, shouldering the responsibility of raising her three children after her husband was killed. Moving from one temporary shelter to another, she battles daily to provide for her children, including those who require medical assistance. “Everything has become my responsibility,” Warda expressed, highlighting the need for holistic support systems for families navigating such profound loss.
Additional voices, like that of Samah Abu Amra, another mother who became a sole caregiver to her five children after losing her husband, underline the complexities of raising children in war-torn conditions. “Children need psychological, financial, and emotional support,” she explained, stressing the importance of a supportive community and attention from humanitarian organizations to alleviate the burdens on grieving families.
As the marathon concluded, a chorus of cheers erupted when the young runners crossed the finish line. Each finisher was honored with a medal as a recognition of their resilience and courage. The day culminated in a heartfelt tribute to those orphaned by conflict, signifying a collective acknowledgment of their struggles and a promise of ongoing support from the community. “These orphaned children have lost so much, but they still deserve hope,” Warda concluded, encapsulating the spirit of resilience and the urgent need for continued advocacy for the vulnerable.
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