The Norwegian Refugee Council has confirmed today that 12 of over 60 children killed during the Israeli air raids over the weekend have been receiving trauma care in its psycho-social program.
All of the deceased children were between 5 and 15 years of age and had embraced martyrdom along with countless other relatives who died or received injuries.
“We are devastated to learn that 12 children we were helping with trauma were bombarded while they were at home and thought they were safe,” said NRC’s Secretary General Jan Egeland.
He continued: “They are now gone, killed with their families, buried with their dreams and the nightmares that haunted them. We call on Israel to stop this madness: children must be protected. Their homes must not be targets. Schools must not be targets. Spare these children and their families. Stop bombing them now.”
The children who received NRC assistance are:
- Lina Iyad Sharir, 15
- Hala Hussein al-Rifi, 13
- Zaid Mohammad Telbani, 4
- Tala Ayman Abu al-Auf, 13
- Rula Mohammad al-Kawlak, 5
- Yara, 9,
- Hala, 12
- Hana, 14,
- Dina Rami al-Ifranji, 15,
- Mira Rami al-Ifranji, 11,
- Dana Riad Hasan Ishkantna, 9
- Rafeef Murshed Abu Dayer, 10
According to the NRC website, the organization helps 118 schools in the Gaza Strip, influencing more than 75,000 students through its psycho-social intervention, the Better Learning Program.
“As an urgent measure, we appeal to all parties for an immediate ceasefire so that we can reach those in need and spare more civilians. But the truth is that there can be no peace or security as long as there are systemic injustices. The siege of Gaza needs to be lifted and the occupation of Palestinians must end if we are to avoid more trauma and death among children and new cycles of destruction every few years.”
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