The relentless Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has plunged countless Palestinian families into poverty and deprivation, leaving them to grapple with the devastating loss of breadwinners through death or detention. In the face of this dire reality, an increasing number of children have been forced to shoulder the burden of supporting their families, often working in harsh and inhumane conditions.
Ibrahim, just 12 years old, shares his heartbreaking story: "Every morning, I carry a tray of sweets and roam the streets to help my mother meet our needs. My father and two older brothers were killed in the war, and now, it's up to me to provide for my family." With a tired voice, he adds, "The work is exhausting, my hands and back ache, and I feel sad when I see other children playing while I work long hours."
Similarly, Ahmed, 14, and his sister Sarah, 10, sell sweets and popcorn at a shelter. "Our father was injured in an Israeli airstrike five months ago and remains in hospital. Our mother stays with him, so my sister and I work to cover our expenses," Ahmed explains. Sarah, her voice tinged with sadness, says, "I wish I could play with my friends, but I’m afraid to leave the stand unattended in case someone steals our goods."
Economic expert Muhammad Sakik notes that the catastrophic rise in unemployment and poverty rates in Gaza has compelled many families to depend on their children for survival. "The war has decimated economic facilities, leaving adults without job opportunities and forcing children into exploitative, low-paying work," he explains.
Sakik highlights the absence of effective mechanisms to protect children’s rights in Gaza, further worsening their suffering. He stresses the need for periodic financial and food assistance for families that have lost breadwinners, alongside flexible educational programmes to help working children return to school without jeopardising their families' survival.
Civil society organisations, Sakik argues, must play a pivotal role in initiating projects that alleviate the economic struggles of affected families. Such efforts are essential to protect children from exploitation and provide them with a chance for a better future.
According to a 2024 report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, children under 18 make up 47.1% of Gaza’s population, totalling approximately 1.05 million. With the region's economic and social conditions in steep decline, the phenomenon of child labour has surged, as thousands of children join the workforce to help their families meet even the most basic needs.
Source : Safa News
