One year with war on children
Khaled Quzmar has led Defense for Children - Palestine through a extremly challenging year.
On September 21 last year, Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCIP) was awarded the Rafto Prize.
Just two weeks after the prize announcement, on October 7, Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israeli civilians. For over a year now, Israel has responded with intense bombardment of Gaza.
The Darkest Year
The International Court (ICJ) has found that the the ongoing Israeli government actions and its military attacks on Gaza may amount to genocide. Recently a UN inquiry has accused Israel of "extermination" and war crimes over its destruction of Gaza’s medical facilities.»
Khaled Quzmar, General Secretary of Defense for Children International - Palestine, expresses deep concern over the continuing war.
"In the past year, 41,689 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including an estimated 16,456 children. Additionally, more than 3,000 children remain missing under the rubble," says Quzmar.
The dramatically escalated violence, has profoundly impacted DCIP`s work and putted DCIP-staff at serious risk.
“Movement across the West Bank has become increasingly dangerous due to Israeli military operations, settler attacks, military checkpoints, and road closures. Our field researchers face daily threats while documenting violations, and access to affected areas has become unpredictable,” says Quzmar.
"Legal services for detained children have also been severely hindered, as restrictions on lawyer visits to Israeli prisons compromise the rights of children in military courts and limit their access to effective legal representation,” he continues.
Despite these challenges, DCIP has intensified its efforts in both Gaza and the West Bank.
“In Gaza, we increased the number of field researchers to document human rights violations against children and allocated funds for psychosocial support in partnership with the Gaza Community Mental Health Program. Additionally, DCIP produced short videos highlighting the suffering of children in Gaza and addressing urgent issues such as housing, health, and child detention in the West Bank since October 7,” Quzmar explains.
Pressing Needs
In the West Bank, DCIP has provided emergency psychosocial support to over 80 children from Gaza who have been stranded there for medical treatment.
"These children, living in shelters or temporary accommodations, face a lack of essential services and constant fear for their families still in Gaza. DCIP has offered them psychosocial support, debriefing sessions, and basic necessities. Additionally, we have reallocated resources to support more at-risk children in the West Bank," says Quzmar.
“What are the most pressing needs, and which needs remain unmet?”
"The most urgent needs include enhanced psychosocial support for children traumatized by the violence, access to legal services for detained minors, and basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter for displaced and stranded children. Despite our efforts, the emerging needs exceed our capacity, which is why we collaborate closely with national emergency committees to address these gaps."
Hopes for the Future
“The ongoing war in Gaza has led to catastrophic consequences for Palestinian children. The relentless targeting of these children through violence, displacement, and detention has stripped them of their safety, rights, and future. The war on Gaza is, indeed, a war on its children,” he states.
Despite all challenges, DCIP remains committed to work for Palestinian childrens rights and to monitor and document violations against children, ensuring their stories are heard and that accountability is pursued.
“We aspire to see an end to the atrocities that disproportionately affect Palestinian children. We hope to end crimes against humanity and children all-over the world. The crimnals will be held acountable for their crimes. We envision a time when every child can attend school without fear of violence or disruption. We also seek continued support from the international community to amplify our efforts and ensure that the plight of Palestinian children remains a priority in human rights discussions,” Quzmar concludes.