Israel’s unrelenting occupation of Palestine continues to have a stomach-churning impact on the children of Gaza.

Since October 2023, at least 21,200 children have been killed in Gaza, while more than 58,000 have lost one or both of their parents, according to UNICEF.

Hisham is just one of these children. 

“I lost my father. He left and departed this life,” the 14-year-old says. “Sorrow and grief still overwhelm me.”

Hisham and his father were going to collect water for the family when an explosion killed his father. Hisham watched in horror, holding his father’s hand as he slipped away.

Forcibly displaced

Danger forced Hisham’s family to flee their home and seek shelter in a displacement camp. Hisham, his mother, 2 sisters and brother now live together in a worn-out tent. 

A few blankets, 3 mattresses, and some kitchen utensils are the family’s only possessions and they are forced to rely on the kindness neighbours and support from humanitarian organisations to make it through each day. 

“I have become both father and mother at once.” Hisham’s mother, Hanna, says. 

Carrying trauma to school

After several years of severe disruption, Hisham and his siblings have begun attending regular classes at a temporary education centre in the camp where they’re living. They split their time between schooling and helping to fetch water and buy firewood and food for the family when they can.

Despite this semblance of stability, Hisham is haunted by his father’s death.

Hisham was once an excellent student but his mental anguish is affecting his grades.

Expanded support

Islamic Relief has significantly expanded our Orphan Sponsorship Programme since October 2023. We now support more than 25,000 children in Gaza with vital humanitarian aid.

We are supporting temporary learning centres for displaced children who have missed years of school, and providing psychosocial support for traumatised children like Hisham.

Hanaa, Hisham and the family receive support from Islamic Relief, receiving a monthly stipend paid directly to them that they use to purchase food and to pay for the children’s education.

Where possible, we also ensure families like Hanaa and Hisham’s are included in our seasonal distributions, receiving support at important times of the year such as Ramadan and winter.

With thousands of families in Gaza entirely reliant on humanitarian support, your generosity is more important than ever.

You can be a lifeline for children like Hisham who desperately need help. There are more than 5,100 orphaned children in our system, waiting to be matched with sponsors. Be a lifeline for Gaza’s orphans.