Hundreds of children from the Gaza Strip gathered in Gaza Sea Port on Monday to protest against the ongoing Israeli blockade of the coastal enclave.
The children, some as young as six, held banners and chanted slogans calling for an end to the 16-year-long siege that has crippled Gaza’s economy and infrastructure.
“We are here to tell the world that we have rights, we have dreams, we want to live in freedom and dignity,” said Rana, a 12-year-old girl from Gaza City.
The protest was organized by local civil society groups.
According to UNRWA, more than half of Gaza’s population lives in poverty, and nearly 70 percent of school-age children suffer from psychological distress due to the blockade and repeated Israeli military assaults.
The Israeli occupation imposed the blockade in 2007 after Hamas was elected.
Israel says the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from smuggling weapons and launching attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. However, human rights groups and international organizations have denounced the blockade as a form of collective punishment that violates international law.
Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza, has also restricted the movement of people and goods through the Rafah crossing, citing security concerns.
The blockade has severely limited Gaza’s access to electricity, water, fuel, medical supplies and building materials, as well as trade and travel opportunities.
The children said they hoped their voices would be heard by the international community and urged them to pressure Israel to lift the blockade.
“We want peace, not war. We want to play, not suffer. We want to live, not die,” said Ahmed, a 10-year-old boy from Khan Younis. “Is that too much to ask?”
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