World Vision urges ceasefire as strike kills child in aid project

Reports of children involved in World Vision programmes being killed as violence continues are horrifying, the children's charity said today. 

Violence in Israel and Gaza has claimed the life of at least one child from World Vision’s programmes in the region, the humanitarian organisation said today, as it renewed calls for a ceasefire between both parties.

The death toll has continued to grow amid ongoing attacks from both sides. Rockets fired from Gaza have now resulted in the death of an Israeli, while the latest strikes targeting Gaza from Israel killed 38 children.

World Vision’s Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza National Director, Alex Snary, said the humanitarian organisation is urging both sides to bring an end to the outbreak of violence, and said the death of any child on any side of a conflict was tragic and unacceptable.

“An immediate ceasefire is critical for the protection of children caught in the conflict,” Mr Snary said. “We urge both parties to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure the cycle of senseless violence ends.”

According to the United Nations 77 per cent of casualties in Gaza have been civilians, and it is possible some have been unable to escape the carnage because of the Gaza blockade.

The most recent airstrike claimed the life of Saher, 5, who had been involved in World Vision’s ‘Children Participation and Learning Project’ in Gaza. He was killed while playing inside his home.

“News of Saher’s death is tragic. Only a few weeks ago he was taking part in an event in Gaza where they flew kites on the beach with messages of peace and hope for the future,” Mr Snary said.

“The video and pictures of Saher lying, cradled in the arms of his anguished father are too graphic and beyond shocking.

“Even for the young generation which has a desire for peace, there is no hope to flourish in this environment of extreme violence.”

The UN reports that at least 25,000 distressed children in Gaza are in need of psychosocial support. World Vision is preparing an emergency response, which includes creating spaces for children to be looked after, play safely and receive much needed counselling as soon as the security situation allows.