Gaza's children: War has stolen everything, even play
THERE are few joys left for 10-year-old Ahmed Hamdouna, whose childhood has already been scarred by years of war and displacement in Gaza.
Ahmed Hamdouna, a 10-year-old Gaza resident, has lost much of his childhood to years of conflict and displacement. Now, Israel's warnings that it may increase military operations if kites land on the Israeli side of the border have further deprived Ahmed of the simple joys of playing. Ahmed's father forbade him from flying kites due to the threats from the occupying forces.
Ahmed expressed his heartbreak at losing his beloved hobby, saying, "I felt heartbroken after spending so much time collecting sticks and nylon, only for the occupation to prevent us from playing with them." The displacement to Deir el-Balah only exacerbated Ahmed's feelings of loss, as he mourns the destruction of his home and neighborhood.
Israel accuses Hamas of exploiting children and argues that the kites could pose a threat. Despite no explosives being detected, at least one kite carried a political message. The US-led Board of Peace supervising the ceasefire plan in Gaza emphasized that militant activity must cease, including the flying of kites. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that popular committees in displacement camps are trying to prevent children from flying kites due to fears of Israeli military targeting.
Ahmed, now 11, remains scared to play because of the Israeli military's fears, yet he does not wish to hurt anyone and simply desires to enjoy childhood like children elsewhere.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
