How Gaza’s children are preparing for Israel’s invasion of Rafah I Close Up

How Gaza’s children are preparing for Israel’s invasion of Rafah I Close Up

As an Israeli ground assault on Gaza’s last ‘safe zone’ looms, two children in Rafah brace for it.

“We’re afraid people will resort to killing each other for food,” 11-year-old Husam says as he recounts his daily battle to secure basic necessities like food, water and sanitation in Rafah during the Israel-Hamas war.

Husam is one of more than 600,000 children who have sought refuge in the city, the designated “safe zone” in southern Gaza. But since March, the Israeli government has threatened to extend a military invasion there, too, casting a shadow of fear that has been building for months. “A person’s psyche wears out with fear. It’s a slow death” Husam says as he reflects on what lies ahead.

Known as “’Gaza’s Isaac Newton” for his ingenuity, Husam has conjured up a makeshift electrical system using two fans that he picked up at a scrap market. By wiring them together, he created a rudimentary but functional source of power that lights up the tent where he and his family have been living since they fled Gaza City.

Meanwhile, Najwa navigates her days with a mixture of fear and determination. As she draws pictures of planes streaking across the sky, she shares what she’s learned from war: At the age of nine, she’s able to recognise the distinct sounds of different aircraft and grasp the concept of safe passages. Despite the pervasive atmosphere of uncertainty, Najwa finds moments of respite in playful imaginings, closing her eyes and envisioning the comfort of her own bed.

As global leaders implore Israel to refrain from invading Rafah, citing the humanitarian crisis facing millions of civilians trapped there, it’s children like Husam and Najwa who dare to dream of a future free of conflict. In Husam’s own words: “We want to live in freedom and safety like other children around the world.”

Watch No Refuge for Rafah’s Children for a poignant portrayal of the challenges Gaza’s children face as Israel’s ground offensive in Rafah looms.

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

Why did you do this blood of mine

Why did you do this blood of mine

I don't know and you don't know.

The doubt was on my lips.

Don't doubt I will fall on lips

I will tell God.

I will tell God.

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

you are ugly you are ugly

you are the killer of my childhood

Those who say this are true.

lions are also better than you

remember this remember me

I will not forget the faces

I will tell God.

I will tell God.

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

I was a flower that could not open.

could not meet my home

I crushed you with fire

I crushed you in a sail

the wounds on my body will cry

When I show the wounds of the soul

I will tell God.

I will tell God.

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

you have missed this

line of life with hands

There is blood everywhere.

There is a goddess of death everywhere.

I fell silent and remained silent

I will also become a criminal myself.

I will tell God.

I will tell God.

Allah ho Allah ho Allah

Allah ho Allah ho Allah