When I went to Gaza, I saw young children everywhere. They were smiling and had bright eyes. I loved them. Now, I am in pain and mourning, so I wrote these little notes to contribute my small part amidst the violence that continues.

The war in the Gaza Strip has taken an unconscionable toll on children. According to UNICEF, 20,000 children have been killed and over 30,000 injured. Nearly every child in Gaza has experienced displacement; their families have been torn apart, and their homes destroyed.

Israel’s violence has caused both physical trauma and psychological wounds among children in Gaza. Many children have been maimed as a consequence of the conflict.

Prosthetics for children in Gaza are a critical need. Thousands of child amputees require artificial limbs because of the conflict. While numerous organizations are working to provide support through mobile units, 3D printing, and local rehabilitation centers, they face significant challenges, including a shortage of materials, limited access to care, and a high demand that overwhelms existing resources. Some initiatives are exploring solutions like remote fitting technology and training local technicians, but access to care remains a significant obstacle.

In the midst of the violence, children are finding ways to help each other. Palestinian children have even crafted artificial limbs from drain pipes. You can view this in action in this video.

Some foreign physicians have attempted to bring children to the US for treatment. This video shows Palestinian children arriving in Texas to receive prosthetics. The following timeline from Coastal Prosthetics and Orthotics outlines the process amputees go through to begin walking again after surgery:

• Initial Healing (1-3 months): After surgery, the focus is on healing the residual limb. During this time, patients may begin to use a wheelchair or crutches.
• Prosthetic Fitting (2-6 months): Once the limb has healed sufficiently, a prosthetic fitting can occur. [Physicians] will work closely with the patient to ensure the best fit.
• Gait Training (3-6 months): After receiving the prosthetic, patients typically start gait training with a physical therapist. This phase can last several weeks to months, depending on the individual’s progress.
• Independent Walking (6-12 months): Many amputees can expect to walk independently within 6 to 12 months post-amputation, although this varies widely based on the factors mentioned above.

The US is providing the bombs Israel is using in Gaza; therefore, we must be accountable for these actions. We must urge our congressional representatives to create a bill for healing and reparations for the children and the people of Gaza. Additionally, we can reach out to local hospitals to see if they are doing anything to aid Palestinians. We must find creative solutions and work tirelessly to make a difference.

The peace efforts, as they stand, are very fragile, as local voices are often not included in the conversation, even though they are most likely to know what can help create lasting peace. Reports have shown Hamas’ violence against Palestinians for collaborating with the enemy; however, making peace requires dialogue even with those perceived as enemies. Structures must be established to facilitate this dialogue. Because there is so much bitterness, pain, and trauma in this conflict, third parties must be involved to help this happen. Unfortunately, Israel’s leaders have refused to entertain this possibility. Therefore, we must persist in advocating for peace in Palestine.

If you are taking action in solidarity with Palestine or have ideas for how to do so together, reach out to Odile Hugonot Haber of WILPF US’s Middle East Peace & Justice Action Committee at odilehh@gmail.com.