UNICEF asked children to draw what they think the future of Gaza looks like. Their drawings capture the hopes and dreams that everything will be all right in the end.
The conflict between Gaza and Israel until now has cost over 2000 lives, including those of more than 500 children. As many as 10,000 people were injured, including 3000 children. Many children in Gaza lost their family members due to the violence. It is estimated that more than 400,000 children are showing signs of psychological distress and UNICEF is trying to help them by training more than 12.000 teachers to provide the support they truly need, and supporting psychosocial programs.
Yosef Al Yazir, 6
6-year old Yosef Al Yazir, seated on the arm of a chair in the living room of his home in Gaza City’s Ramal neighbourhood, holds a drawing showing his view of Gaza in the future. He remembers the last war, but states that this one is much worse: “There are a lot of children killed,” he said. (Image credits: Aya © UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1443/d’Aki)
Kasem Alqerem, 14
14-year old Kasem Alqerem, his shadow reflected on a wall behind him, holds his drawing showing his view of Gaza in the future at the school shelter in Gaza City. (Image credits: Doaa © UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1444/d’Akii)
9-year old Doaa, seated on a chair in a classroom in the school shelter in Gaza City, holds her drawing showing her view of Gaza in the future. The drawing shows a bright, smiling sun in a blue sky; butterflies, birds and trees; and figures standing outside a house. (Image credits: Kasem © UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1442/d’Aki)
Shahed Dhabba, 10
10-year old Shahed Dhabba, her right eye bandaged, holds a drawing in the school shelter in Gaza City. The drawing, which was supposed to show her view of Gaza in the future, also includes what she witnessed when her family fled their home in Gaza’s Shishya neighbourhood. (Image credits: Shahed © UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1441/d’Aki)
Aya Abu Asi, 11
11-year old Aya Abu Asi, standing by a blackboard in the school shelter in Gaza City, holds her drawing showing her view of Gaza in the future. Aya’s home was destroyed during heavy bombardment in Gaza’s Shishya neighbourhood. The worst thing about war, Aya says, is “the people who got killed in the street.” (Yosef © UNICEF/NYHQ2014-1440/d’Aki)
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