Children of Conflict: Growing Up in Gaza and Israel

Growing up in Gaza and Israel presents a stark contrast, shaped by the complex historical, political, and social dynamics that have defined the region for decades. These differences are deeply rooted in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has significantly influenced the experiences and perspectives of children on both sides.

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It is essential to recall that this war did not begin on October 7th 2023, but has been an ongoing battle for around 76 years where both parties have suffered tremendously.

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One of the most evident distinctions between the two lies in the security situation. Gaza has been a focal point of conflict, with frequent outbreaks of violence and periods of intense conflict. The blockade imposed on Gaza by Israel has contributed to severe economic challenges, limiting access to essential resources such as clean drinking water and electricity. Children in Gaza often grow up amidst the rubble of past conflicts, witnessing the destruction of homes, schools, and infrastructure. The constant threat of violence and the psychological toll of living in a conflict zone shape the way these innocent children perceive the world around them. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Israel's attacks have killed 4,104 children in Gaza during the current war in the span of a month. UNICEF quotes that, “With every passing day, children and families in the Gaza Strip face increased risk of death from the sky, disease from lack of safe water, and deprivation from lack of food.”

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In contrast, Israeli children, while also living in a region marked by conflict, generally experience a more stable and secure environment. As of today, Israel has invested heavily in security measures, such as the Iron Dome missile defense system, to protect its citizens from external threats. Israeli children may grow up with the awareness of the conflict, but their daily lives are nowhere near as consistently marked by the same level of danger and uncertainty as those in Gaza. In Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7th, 36 children had died and the aftermath of that attack led to the killing of more than 10,000 Palestinian children.

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Additionally, an extremely significant topic to discuss when comparing the lives of children on both sides of the battlefield is what those in authority teach them about the other side. In Israel, national narratives emphasising historical struggles and resilience are embedded in education, fostering a sense of national identity. Palestinian children in Gaza, may be exposed to narratives highlighting resistance against occupation and perceived injustices. Both sides employ textbooks and media to shape the perspectives of the younger generation, contributing to a cycle of distrust and perpetuating historical grievances. In Israel, school textbooks and maps barely have any trace of Palestine and only show “ The land of Israel”. Of the rare times that Palestinians are mentioned, it is in an overwhelmingly negative and stereotypical fashion; portraying them as racist icons or demeaning images such as terrorists, refugees and primitive farmers. In 2009, Hamas refused to allow Palestinian children to learn about the Holocaust, which it called "a lie invented by the Zionists" and referred to Holocaust education as a "war crime."

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Yet, due to the October 7th attack resulting in social media’s involvement in spreading awareness, choosing sides and massive public boycotts, it becomes even easier to see what Israeli children are being told about their enemies from those in authority.

Chilling remarks said towards Arabic children by the interviewed students in the video.

https://fb.watch/pI95HMg5uU/- In the video, Israelis are interviewing students on their opinions on Arabic children which prompted a terrifying response. Under any other circumstance a child admitting he would like to murder another child would be a deal of great concern. Yet, the adults in the room were completely unbothered by his answer.

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The same type of research cannot be obtained from Gaza as the academic year 2023-2024 has been suspended preventing 625,000 children from obtaining an education. Additionally, Israel has damaged over 350 school buildings in Gaza. The comparison is quite startling. On one hand you have a classroom full of students while at the exact same time in Gaza the schools were transformed into nothing but debris and rubble.

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The indoctrination of children exists heavily in both countries where boys from as young as 13 years old are enlisted into training camps and taught to participate in the violence. This not only puts a strain on their educational prowess, but their mental health. No teenager should have to spend their day firing weapons.

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Despite these differences, it's essential to recognize that both Israeli and Gazan children share the universal desires for security, education, and a hopeful future. Bridging the gaps and fostering understanding between these two communities is crucial for the prospects of lasting peace in the region and allowing the younger generation to grow up in an environment of stability, mutual respect, and shared opportunities.

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References:

Children in Gaza still at the sharp end of unrelenting war by UNICEF-

https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/children-gaza-still-sharp-end-unrelenting-war#:~:text= %E2%80%9CWith%20every%20passing%20day%2C%20children,began%20on%207%20October%20continues.

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War’s toll on education in Gaza by The Guardian-

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/18/wars-toll-on-education-in-gaza-casts-shadow-over-childrens-future#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThere%20is%20absolutely%20no%20form,them%20are%20attending%20schools%20now.

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“In this relentless war oh how I miss my Students” by Al Jazeera-

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/12/in-this-relentless-war-oh-how-i-miss-my-students#:~:text=On%20November%206%2C%20the%20Ministry,on%20October%207%20continued%2C%20unrelenting.

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Contact Information:

Instagram: xoxo_rianna

Rianna Samsingh, 16

Trinidad and Tobago