Hundreds of people in Gaza are struggling to cope with the devastation brought by the Israeli airstrikes. According to local witnesses, schoolchildren were forced to carry injured classmates to safety during the bombardment.
A witness from the Jabalia refugee camp described the harrowing situation after an Israeli airstrike hit a nearby area. He said he saw children about 10- to 12-years old carrying the wounded in their arms. “I saw children carrying other children. Some of them were wounded, some of them were crying. It was a very sad scene”.
The witness continued, “The airstrikes were non-stop. I saw rubble and debris everywhere. I saw one little girl whose whole house was destroyed, and she was still clinging to the door of her house. That was heartbreaking.”
The airstrikes have been seen as a direct response to rocket fire from Hamas which killed two Israeli civilians last week. Since then, the Israeli military has launched airstrikes across Gaza killing at least 13 Palestinians and injuring dozens of others.
These airstrikes have caused the displacement of over 1,200 Palestinians who are now seeking shelter in United Nations-run schools.
The situation in Gaza has attracted international attention with the United Nations Human Rights Office and other human rights groups calling on Israel to stop using disproportionate and indiscriminate force. They also noted that the actions taken by Israel have violated international law.
Meanwhile, local residents fear the situation could get worse as the week goes on. With Israeli airstrikes still hitting areas across Gaza, these families must search for a place of safety.
In such a difficult situation, it’s disheartening to hear that schoolchildren are being forced to carry injured classmates. It’s a devastating reminder of the price of conflict and the devastating effects of war on innocent civilians, especially children.