In Gaza City, Reda Aliwa, residing in a tent, is taking care of her 36 grandchildren, offering them a meal of rice. Despite the limited food, the children eagerly ask for more, sometimes taking extra when Aliwa isn’t looking. The family relies on rainwater for drinking, passed around in a metal cup. The burden of caring for her grandchildren falls heavily on Aliwa since her five children perished in two separate attacks in September while seeking refuge in Gaza City.
Now, Aliwa and her husband are left to provide for the grandchildren as they navigate life post-ceasefire. The children are part of the 40,000 in Gaza who have lost one or both parents, as reported by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). However, Alex Saieh from Save the Children International believes the actual number of affected children is likely higher due to underreporting.
Aliwa, who was injured in one of the attacks, left the hospital against medical advice to care for her grandchildren. Struggling to find enough food, the family depends on sporadic food distributions. Despite some financial aid from NGOs, high prices hinder their ability to secure enough food consistently.
The children’s education has been halted due to the destruction of schools and universities during the war. NGOs are offering temporary learning centers with psychosocial support, but the trauma and grief the children face remain unaddressed. The PCBS report highlighted the lack of mental health support for children in Gaza, leaving them susceptible to exploitation and child labor.
Living in a damaged tent near rubble in Gaza City, Aliwa worries about the future while trying to shield her grandchildren from her own grief. She cleans up the tent as the grandchildren gather near a fire for warmth, while her husband tends to the flames. The family’s daily struggles are compounded by concerns about food scarcity and the ongoing conflict near their living area.
Aliwa’s apprehensions about the future stem from the uncertainty of their circumstances, fearing that her grandchildren could end up on the streets if something happens to her. Despite the challenges, she tries to provide comfort to the children by telling them their parents are in Heaven when they inquire about them.
