(23 February 2009) — While a tenuous, month-long ceasefire has brought some respite from violence in and around Gaza, children there still face enormous challenges and risks to their lives and well-being, say Save the Children senior executives who visited the territory this week.

The five senior officers — Charles MacCormack, CEO, Save the Children USA; Jasmine Whitbread, CEO, Save the Children UK; Gro Braekken, CEO, Save the Children Norway; Elisabeth Dahlin, Secretary General, Save the Children Sweden; and Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, Secretary General, Save the Children Alliance — met with children and families affected by the conflict, and visited programmes set up by Save the Children to meet the needs of children living in the territory.

“The plight of children in Gaza remains dire. They face physical deprivation, serious environmental dangers and ongoing displacement, all of which have a critical impact on their current and future well-being,” said Charles MacCormack. “The fortunate few have access to child-friendly spaces and programs that focus on their needs, such as those provided by Save the Children. A great many, however, still lack the healthy food, clean water and adequate living conditions that they need to grow, develop and achieve their potential.”  

Save the Children has established 18 child-friendly spaces in Gaza, benefiting more than 1,000 children. But the continued restriction on the entry of goods into Gaza — including such items as drawing paper, crayons and other items normally used in these spaces for children — is limiting the agency’s ability to rapidly scale up programmes.

“It is amazing to see what can be accomplished under the circumstances, but so much more can and should be done,” said Jasmine Whitbread. “We are organising games, singing and other activities for children, but cannot provide them with materials to express their experiences and fears. And Save the Children is supporting an antenatal clinic in a tent —  which is amazing — but the doctors are exhausted, and they must examine women with secondhand equipment.”

Save the Children has reached more than 56,000 people, more than half of whom are children, through its rapid response to the conflict and its ongoing programmes to assist children and families affected by the fighting.

“Parents want to take care of themselves and their children. They don’t want to rely on humanitarian support, but they are desperate now,” said Gro Braekken. “The children are so grave and serious. It’s terrible to see children punished for grown-ups’ politics and grown-ups’ actions.”

Save the Children works to ensure that children’s education is not disrupted during an emergency or crisis. Education not only nurtures cognitive development but also plays a central role in providing psychological and social support. To this end the agency is supporting temporary schools and developing psychosocial program that include sports and recreational activities.

“Children have the right to a safe and protective environment. It is crucial that children can return to a school that is structurally safe and provides a supportive environment — a school that has teachers who are trained to understand and respond according to the needs and rights of the children. At the moment, this is missing in Gaza,” said Elisabeth Dahlin.             

Save the Children calls for greater humanitarian access to allow for the necessary amount of recovery and reconstruction materials to enter the territory. This will allow families to meet their needs and those of their children, and schools and clinics to rebuild and provide necessary services.

Save the Children has worked in Gaza and the West Bank for more than 30 years.

Find out more about Save the Children's Gaza response