Violence against children in Gaza and Israel must end

- The situation is unbearable, it is terrible that the hope for peace and reconciliation in the region may have been shattered for several generations to come," says Daniel Grahn, Secretary-General of Erikshjälpen.

In conflict, children are particularly vulnerable and war is the ultimate violation of children's rights. Yet it is increasingly common for schools, hospitals and residential buildings to be targeted by warring countries. A strategy that goes against all humanitarian law and human dignity.

- "There is nothing as diabolical as attacking children, using them as shields or weapons," says Daniel Grahn.

Recently, the death toll in Gaza exceeded 25,000, mostly civilians and a third of them children. Those who survive bombs and ground battles risk dying instead from disease, starvation and dehydration, unless humanitarian aid arrives in time.

Erikshjälpen does not have its own staff on the ground or carry out any direct work in the region, but we are following developments closely.

- The war that affects innocent children on both sides is completely indefensible. We condemn every single child abuse, regardless of which side of the border it takes place.

Erikshjälpen calls on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and put children's rights first. In our role, we appeal to the Swedish government to do everything in its power to reach a lasting ceasefire.

Violence against children in Gaza and Israel must stop!

Photos with medical staff are from Individual Humanitarian Aid's (IM) partner organization Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS).

Author: Daniel Grahn