I wasn’t sure how to begin this… It’s a topic that weighs heavily on my heart. However, I’d like to start with something our founder, Ahmed, once said:

“I wish that people followed Gaza the same way they chase money, because then, just maybe, things wouldn’t have reached this point. The whole world is following the money, not humanity. Crypto is more valuable than Palestinian life.”

The Silent Threat

Sometimes, danger hides quietly beneath the surface. Deadly, invisible, and waiting. For children in Gaza, remnants of war, such as unexploded ordnance (UXO), are a constant, silent threat.

Imagine, for a moment, being a child, anywhere you are right now. Full of hope and curiosity, playing in your neighbourhood. The sound of laughter fills the air, your imagination runs wild, and everything feels safe… until the ground beneath you betrays that sense of security.

It could be a seemingly harmless object, something you wouldn’t think twice about but for many children in Gaza, it’s a threat they cannot recognise, let alone avoid.

That’s the harsh reality for families living in these conditions. It’s not just the bombings you see on your phones or the headlines about the latest conflict. Rather, it’s the unsettling truth that, even after the bombs have fallen, the danger still lingers quietly.

Every child who falls victim to this invisible menace is not just an individual tragedy. It’s also a profound loss for the entire community, a loss of potential, hope, and a brighter tomorrow. Thus, the consequences extend far beyond the immediate, affecting the very fabric of their future.

Fatima’s Story: A Life Cut Short

Fatima, a nine-year-old girl living in the Qizan An Najjar area near Khan Younis, was full of energy and curiosity. Like many children her age, she loved playing with her friends, exploring the world around her, and learning new things. However, in June 2024, Fatima’s innocent play led her to a tragic encounter with an unexploded bomb.

Fatima and her friends were playing near a pile of debris when she spotted something metallic, half-buried in the dirt. Without hesitation, curiosity drew her closer to investigate, unaware that it was a bomb. In an instant, there was an explosion. The blast claimed Fatima’s life and left three other children injured.

Her family, neighbours, and community were left in shock and mourning, with a heavy heartache that no amount of time can heal. Sadly, Fatima’s story isn’t just tragic; it is a common reality in Gaza.

The Dangers Lurking in Plain Sight

Gaza’s streets, fields, and even playgrounds are littered with remnants of war, unexploded bombs, shells, and other deadly debris. These munitions blend seamlessly into daily life, concealed among rubble and debris.

For children, who are naturally curious and playful, these hidden dangers pose an especially cruel risk. The impact is devastating. According to the United Nations, thousands of unexploded devices remain in Gaza, with at least 10% of fired ammunition potentially failing to function. This means that countless children are exposed to the constant threat of injury or death from objects that appear harmless but are anything but.

Education: The Shield That Saves Lives

This is why education becomes more than just a means to a future; it is, in fact, a critical tool for survival. In collaboration with the Palestinian Red Crescent, Gaza Great Minds are teaching children how to recognise and avoid UXO.

Through this important safety workshop, the two organisations have come together to highlight the potential signs of danger. As a result, these lessons not only provide essential knowledge but also empower children to make safer decisions in an increasingly hazardous environment.

The key lessons are:

• Recognise the danger: Children are taught to identify what unexploded ordnance may look like, using visual lessons and practical examples.
• Stay away: They learn that even a simple object, like a piece of scrap metal, could be dangerous.
• Report to an adult: The most vital lesson: if they see something suspicious, they should leave it alone and seek help immediately.

The Hard Truth in Numbers

The numbers paint a clear, alarming picture:

• Over 100 children in Gaza are injured or killed by UXO each year, according to UNICEF.
• 40% of global UXO casualties are children, due to their natural curiosity and lack of awareness of the risks.
• The United Nations estimates that 800,000 tons of UXO remain buried within Gaza, endangering communities and affecting children the most.

These aren’t just statistics; they represent real lives cut short or changed forever.

The Aftermath: Beyond the Immediate Loss

The impact of these tragedies extends far beyond the immediate loss. Children who survive UXO incidents often carry physical scars and deep psychological trauma. For families like Fatima’s, the emotional toll is immense. A reminder that safety education is vital.

This is why supporting organisations like Gaza Great Minds is so crucial.

How You Can Help Protect Gaza’s Children

While the dangers children face in Gaza may seem overwhelming, there are ways to make a real difference:

1. Donate: Support us. Your contributions help fund these critical safety education programmes.
2. Spread the Word: About our organisation and share stories like Fatima’s to raise awareness of the urgent need for action.
3. Advocate for Change: Support global efforts to clear UXO and call for safer environments for children in Gaza.

A Safer Future Begins with Action

It’s easy to think of childhood as a time for play, exploration, and wonder. However, in Gaza, where children walk past remnants of war every day, childhood can sadly become a time fraught with danger.

Thanks to the collaboration between Gaza Great Minds and the Palestinian Red Crescent, we’ve been able to teach safety and raise awareness. Together, we are striving to ensure that children can grow up in safety, free from the fear that their curiosity could cost them their lives.

Fatima’s story is a painful reminder that we must do more to protect the children of Gaza. Every lesson taught and every life saved brings us one step closer to a future where no child must learn to fear the ground beneath their feet. Survival, after all, should be the beginning of a childhood filled with hope.