As winter comes to Gaza, many children have to go to sleep at night without being warm, safe, or comfortable. It is heart breaking to think of a child freezing on the cold ground of Gaza. But this is the harsh reality of many families in Gaza, as they have to fight every day to stay alive while dealing with the dire consequences of war and poverty.
Winter in Gaza is not just a season; for thousands of families, it is a test to endure. Children, who should be sleeping on cosy beds, are sleeping on the cold floor. The icy winds cannot protect the children from the cold because they do not have blankets to keep themselves warm.
With the temperature dropping, the absence of essentials like heating, mattresses, and even adequate clothing becomes a matter of survival.
The Heartbreaking Reality of Gaza
The infrastructure of Gaza has become debris due to the ongoing blockade and years of fighting. Many families only get a few hours of electricity each day, which makes it almost hard to stay warm.
According to UNICEF, more than 96% of women and children in Gaza cannot get the food they need to stay healthy and nutritious. The malnutrition combined with cold exposure sharply raises mortality rates among children. Before the war, over 500 trucks of aid entered Gaza daily, but after the war, an average of 65 trucks of aid entered Gaza every month.
This is the heartbreaking reality for the people of Gaza. they are already living in hunger, poverty, and the lack of shelter, but now they also have to deal with the cruel grip of winter as well.
Mariam Al-Farouqi's Frozen Nights
Ten-year-old Mariam Al-Farouqi sleeps on the cold concrete floor of a shelter that is falling apart with her three younger brothers. After the last wave of violence, her family lost their home and had nowhere to go. Even though Mariam's clothes are thin and patched, she is not warm enough for the cold winter nights. She spends the nights huddling with her brothers, their little bodies pressed together to stay warm.
Mariam says, her voice shaking,
"We try to stay awake as long as we can. Sleeping is difficult when the floor seems to be ice."
She feels bad every time her little brother coughs. Mariam does not dream of treats or toys. She dreams of a warm bed and a thick blanket, which is something she has never had before.
Be the Light in Gaza's Darkest Winter
The children of Gaza are not just statistics; they are innocent souls who want to be safe, warm, and able to dream. Every cold shiver and sleepless night on a hard floor is a call for help that needs to be heard.
Even though these kids are very strong, strength alone cannot replace the things they need to live. They deserve the dignity of sleeping in a bed with a warm blanket around them. They should not have to deal with the scary cold of winter as children. Your winter donation can make a difference. Together, we can be the light of hope in their darkest nights.
Because of your help, we can ensure that their nights are no longer cold and sad but warm and cosy. We can fight the cold with your help, and because of your help, we can let them know we have not forgotten them.
