The Heavy Toll: Gaza Children Bear the Burden of Daily Survival and Water Scarcity

In a displacement camp in central Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp, 10-year-old Maysara Zaqout wakes up at sunrise every day to prepare water containers with her five-year-old brother, Jawad, hoping a water truck will pass by. With severe shortages plaguing the area, children like Maysara and 12-year-old Yamen Saleh spend their days waiting for water trucks and community kitchens, carrying heavy containers that cause physical pain, injuries, and serious health conditions.

Dr Sumaya Salah, working at medical clinics in central Gaza, reports that the exhausting daily tasks have led to muscle problems, spasms, and serious illnesses such as hernias and scoliosis among children. These health issues were rare before the war began in October 2023, which has killed more than 73,400 Palestinians and displaced the majority of the population. UNICEF estimates that 82 percent of families in Gaza are water insecure, while nearly 90 percent of water and sanitation infrastructure has been destroyed.

Mohammed Mosleh, the mayor of the Maghazi camp, explained that a severe shortage of spare parts, generator oil, and restricted access to water wells under Israeli control has left a single municipal water tanker to serve over 5,000 families. The crisis also takes a deep psychological toll, leaving children exhausted, stressed, and forced to mature too quickly as they cope with the trauma of displacement.

Despite the crushing responsibilities, families and camp committees like the one led by Mohammed Zaqout continue to foster hope through educational tents and recreational activities. Supported by initiatives from parents like Fidaa Saleh and Huda Zaqout, children cling to memories of the past and dreams of a normal future, hoping for safety, dignity, and education.