THE ongoing conflict in Gaza has inflicted unimaginable trauma on its most vulnerable citizens – children.

On a daily basis, my colleagues there tell me it’s really the most difficult situation any human can imagine – or can’t imagine – to be in.

With thousands of children orphaned and countless others traumatised, the need for support has never been more urgent.

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The situation in Gaza is, quite simply, beyond anything any human should ever endure. People have lost everything – homes, loved ones, and even a sense of normality.

The streets are littered with corpses that children are forced to witness, hospitals and schools have been obliterated, and entire communities have been reduced to rubble.

The psychological toll on children is profound. There’s the trauma of witnessing death and destruction, but there’s also the sheer scale of disruption of their daily lives.

Many schools have been destroyed or are being used to house thousands of displaced people, and the constant threat of bombardment looms over everything. Every day that puts fear into children.

Basic necessities are scarce. Families struggle to secure food, water, shelter, and hygiene products. It’s really basic food that’s getting in – things you find in tins.

People are having maybe one meal a day and often skipping meals, especially parents who will forgo food to let their children eat.

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Through partnerships with local organisations, DEC agencies are creating safe spaces for children, offering them a small respite from the horrors of war. Any space where children can go and just be a kid again is vitally important.

Children are getting the opportunity to attend reading sessions, be entertained by clowns, and there are even teachers volunteering to provide basic education.

It’s remarkable to see the resilience in these young children – despite everything, they still play football, sing songs, and find moments of joy.

However, even in times of overwhelming despair, there are these moments of hope among the people of Gaza. People here have been through the worst possible year that you can imagine and yet are still going.

Hope is the way they are getting through. They imagine a better future, and that’s how they keep going.

I’m hearing stories of incredible community spirit, with families opening their homes – even if damaged – to shelter dozens of neighbours and relatives, exemplifying a deep sense of solidarity amidst chaos.

There is hope here, and that hope is fuelled by the generosity of people here in Scotland. With more public support through the DEC, we can help families and their children in desperate need.

Let us stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, ensuring that hope prevails even in the darkest times. Together, we can make a difference.

Katie Roxburgh is Christian Aid’s Middle East programme manager