Thousands of children in Gaza have participated in the “The Gaza We Want” initiative, expressing their hopes for peace and a better future through art, poetry, and models made from rubble caused by the ongoing conflict. Supported by UNICEF, the initiative engages children aged five to 18 to share their vision for rebuilding Gaza, which has been heavily damaged since fighting erupted between Hamas and Israel in October 2023. UNICEF emphasizes that meaningful child participation is essential for shaping the territory’s reconstruction.
Over 11,000 children, including those with disabilities, have shared their ideas, prioritizing safety, secure shelter, functional schools with proper facilities, hospitals, psychological support, and spaces for play. Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF’s head of communications in the Palestinian Occupied Territory, highlighted that these fundamental demands reflect children’s basic rights and are a direct appeal to the international community for urgent attention. Many children continue to live in fear, even after physical injuries have healed, underscoring the need for mental health support alongside physical reconstruction.
UNICEF’s communications chief shared the story of 15-year-old Hala from Deir Al-Balah, who dreams of a safe home, her own bedroom, and access to education after months without school. Despite a ceasefire in place since October 2023, over 135 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza, reinforcing that any credible reconstruction must center children’s voices. Their visions depict a contrast between the devastated present and a hopeful future, emphasizing the restoration of basic childhood experiences.
Humanitarian aid continues alongside these initiatives. Displaced families are receiving fresh bread, hot meals, and digital cash assistance, while water trucking has been increased after a key water line to Israel suffered leaks. Rehabilitation of damaged pumping stations is underway to prevent sewage overflows and waterborne diseases. Two new clinics for non-communicable disease screening have opened in North Gaza, though critical shortages of medicine and laboratory supplies, particularly for cancer and heart diseases, remain a pressing challenge.
