Inside a tent in Gaza City, Reda Aliwa has cooked a meal for her 36 grandchildren. The eager children gather around her, clamoring for spoonfuls of rice, their only meal for the night. Despite her efforts, some kids sneak extra bites when Aliwa’s attention is diverted. With a container collecting rainwater behind the tent, she doles out sips to quench their thirst, acknowledging the weight of responsibility she now carries.
Tragedy struck in September when Aliwa lost her five children in separate attacks just days apart while seeking refuge in a Gaza City camp. Left with her husband, the 60-year-old now shoulders the immense task of caring for her grandchildren in the aftermath of the conflict. These children are among the estimated 40,000 in Gaza who have lost one or both parents, as reported by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.
Facing a scarcity of resources and unreliable food distributions, Aliwa and her husband struggle to provide for the family. Despite receiving some aid from NGOs, they find it challenging to secure enough food consistently. Prices remain high, hindering their ability to make ends meet even with financial assistance.
The trauma of the attacks has halted the children’s education, with schools and universities damaged during the conflict. While temporary learning centers with psychosocial support have been established, much work remains to address the deep emotional scars carried by Palestinian children. The lack of social care and psychological support, as highlighted in the April PCBS report, leaves these vulnerable children at risk of exploitation and labor.
Living in a tent near the Gaza City yellow line, the family copes with their grief amidst the constant sounds of conflict nearby. Aliwa, determined to shield her grandchildren from her sorrow, retreats to grieve in private. Her worries extend to the uncertain future, compounded by the harsh living conditions and limited prospects for the family.
As they huddle near a fire for warmth, Aliwa contemplates the challenges ahead, concerned about what will become of her grandchildren if something happens to her. She grapples with the children’s questions about their deceased parents, offering solace by telling them they are in a better place. Despite the hardships, Aliwa remains devoted to caring for the children, knowing that their resilience will be tested in the harsh reality they face.