Children are always the most vulnerable in every conflict and must be protectedÂ
Children have no part in starting wars, but are victims of their violence. Today, more than one in six children in the world live in a war zone. We should never accept this as normal.
We are extremely concerned about the worsening situation in the region. In another tragic incident on Saturday, July 27, 12 children were reported killed in a rocket attack in Golan Heights that hit a football pitch. "All children must be protected from ongoing violence in the region. Too many young lives are being lost," said Jeremy Stoner Regional Director.
91¶ÌÊÓƵ condemns the killing of civilians – especially children – in the strongest possible terms. Children are always the most vulnerable in every conflict and must be protected. Children have the right to a life free from violence and to live in peace – no matter where they are born, or where they live.
We also call for an investigation after reports of sexual violence in Israel on October 7, 2023. The use of sexual violence is abhorrent and a grave violation against children. We're horrified by these reports and call for an independent investigation.
The Situation for Children in Israel
The safety and wellbeing of children in Israel continues to be at risk amid the escalated conflict. The indiscriminate firing of rockets at Israel has resulted in civilian casualties, including Israeli children, caused schools to be closed periodically, and impacted the mental and psychosocial wellbeing of Israeli children. Like children everywhere, children in Israel must be protected.
On October 7, a large-scale attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip killed an estimated 1,200 individuals, injuring more than 5,400, and abducting 253 hostages. [1]
While we welcome the release of some Israeli children held hostage in Gaza, all remaining hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally. The abduction of children is a Grave Violation, with devastating and lasting impacts on children and their families.
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Support Humanitarian Organizations Helping Children in Israel
As the world’s leading independent organization dedicated to children, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ supports peers delivering programs that protect children and childhoods around the world, even in places where we are not present. Together, we can realize 91¶ÌÊÓƵ's founding mission−that every child, wherever they are from, has a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. Our support to peer organizations can include any combination of advocacy, technical knowledge, funding, and public awareness raising.
In Israel, , and are organizations whose work aids children and families. We encourage our supporters to contribute to their efforts if they can.
91¶ÌÊÓƵ does not have an existing presence in Israel, but we are coordinating with civil society and authorities to assess ongoing needs and critical gaps in which we would be best positioned to support.
If there's a gap in urgent support for children that we're resourced, able and best placed to fill, we will respond to children wherever they are.
Updated: 7/2024