In Gaza City, Reda Aliwa, residing in a tent, is seen serving her 36 grandchildren a meal. Amidst the chaos of hungry children vying for food, Aliwa distributes spoonfuls of rice, the only meal for the night. Aliwa, who lost her five children in two recent attacks, is now left with the responsibility of caring for her grandchildren, the youngest of whom clamor for attention. The burden of raising the orphaned grandchildren weighs heavily on Aliwa, who relies on sporadic food distributions and rainwater for sustenance.
Aliwa, along with her husband, is struggling to rebuild their lives post-ceasefire in Gaza. The couple faces the challenge of caring for their grandchildren amidst the aftermath of the attacks. The situation is exacerbated by the lack of resources and financial support, leaving them dependent on humanitarian aid. Save the Children International highlights the underreported crisis of orphaned children in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for support and assistance.
The trauma and grief resulting from the loss of her children have halted formal education for Aliwa’s grandchildren. Schools and universities have been destroyed, leaving the children without access to learning opportunities. Despite temporary learning centers offering psychosocial support, the children continue to grapple with deep emotional distress. The absence of social care and psychological support further compounds the challenges faced by Palestinian children in Gaza.
Living in a tent near the yellow line, Aliwa’s family copes with daily struggles in a post-conflict environment. The tent, damaged and flooded, serves as a stark reminder of the family’s tragic loss. Aliwa, concealing her grief from her grandchildren, worries about their future and well-being. The constant threat of explosions and the presence of unexploded ordnance in the area add to the family’s anxieties.
Aliwa’s concerns extend to the future of her grandchildren, as she contemplates the uncertainty of their circumstances. The family’s reliance on humanitarian aid and the lack of stable resources paint a bleak picture of their survival prospects. Aliwa’s determination to shield her grandchildren from the harsh realities they face is a testament to her resilience in the midst of adversity.