Summary
The war in Gaza has forced many children, including 15-year-old Mohammed Ashour, to leave school and work to support their families after losing their parents. Aid agencies report that due to the conflict, around 39,000 children have lost one or both parents, pushing them into adult responsibilities. Many children in Gaza face challenges like missing school and struggling with basic needs.
Key Facts
- Mohammed Ashour, a teenager, works selling coffee to support his family after his father died in the war.
- Many Gaza children, like Mohammed, now work instead of attending school.
- Approximately 39,000 children have lost one or both parents due to the conflict.
- Over 660,000 children in Gaza are currently out of formal education.
- Aid agencies report seeing more children engaging in activities like scavenging or selling items.
- UNICEF is offering cash assistance to families and educating them about child labor risks.
- The war has disrupted family structures, with children often caring for siblings or older family members.
- An estimated 132,000 children in Gaza face the risk of acute malnutrition.
