Thousands of children forced to flee Gaza airstrikes

At least 13,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes in Gaza as the bombardment continues into its seventh day.

Monday 5 January 2009

More than half of those displaced people are children.

Spokesman Dominic Nutt said: "Gaza, with a population of 1.51 million is one of the most densely populated strips of land in the world and many hundreds of homes are being hit by the airstrikes, causing fear and anxiety amongst the thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire.

"Many are seeking shelter away from areas that have been hit and are staying with relatives in over-crowded apartments. We are hearing of small apartments that have no water or electricity, which are now housing as many as 18 people.

"With overcrowding and no water to flush toilets or to wash, conditions in many homes will be unpleasant and unhygienic," said Mr Nutt.

The survey, undertaken by Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights — an organisation that has worked with Save the Children for four years — is only an estimate. Numbers may be much higher.

"Given the extreme risk faced by anyone moving around the streets of Gaza at the moment, the figure can't be 100% accurate," said Mr Nutt. "But the information has been gathered by field workers based in all districts of Gaza. If anything it is likely to be a conservative estimate."

Mr Nutt warned that children forced to flee their homes would suffer extreme distress.

"Home for a child represents security and safety. This security is vital at times of extreme stress and there can be nothing more stressful than experiencing seven days of intense bombing.

"To be forced to flee your home, sometimes at night, as the bombs fall around you — often with only a few minutes' notice — is terrifying.

There is a high risk that the effects of such trauma will severely damage a child for the long term."

Mr Nutt added that it was likely more people would be forced to flee their homes as the military operation continued.

We've launched an appeal to help children and their families in Gaza. We need your help. 

  • £25 can provide enough Plumpy’nut (high protein food) to feed eight malnourished children for a week.
  • £50 can provide warm blankets for 16 children which are essential to keep them warm through the night now that it is winter in Gaza.
  • £70 can buy 10 large tarpaulins to repair homes damaged by the air strikes.

Please donate whatever you can.

 

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