On a day meant to celebrate childhood, the children of Gaza mourn the loss of lives and futures. For 18 harrowing months, they have endured relentless violence, with over 50,000 Palestinian lives claimed, two-thirds of whom are children and women. Mays Abdel Hadi, a 16-year-old from the Palestine Children's Council, voices the grief and resilience of her generation, stating, “The international community has failed us.”

Mays recounts her family's journey through eight forced displacements, witnessing the destruction of homes and the trauma affecting her peers. She believes that the deliberate targeting of children is a calculated strategy to erase Palestine’s future. “We have lost our homes, our families, and the right to dream,” she laments, as recent statistics reveal that thousands of children have been left orphaned or severely affected.

The ongoing crisis is compounded by a collapsing healthcare system and rampant food insecurity, with nearly 1.95 million people suffering from acute shortages. Furthermore, over 1,055 children have been detained since the escalation of violence, highlighting severe violations of their rights.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Mays and her peers remain resolute. The Palestine Children’s Council strives to amplify their voices, advocating for their basic rights to safety and education. “We want to live, to learn, and to grow up in peace,” she insists, reflecting the desperation of many children now forced to scavenge for food instead of attending school.

As they reach out to global leaders, their message is clear: immediate action is needed to end the violence and secure their futures. “April 5th is not just a date; it’s a call to action,” Mays declares, emphasizing that Palestinian children deserve the same rights as any other child. As the sun sets over Gaza, the world must decide whether to heed their cries for justice.