Gaza: Five year old boy who stood for peace is killed

Gaza: Five year old boy who stood for peace is killed in his home

July 16, 2014

A five year old boy who a few weeks ago flew a kite with a message of peace on a beach in Gaza, has been killed by an Israeli air missile while playing inside his home, reports World Vision.

“Saher, a 5-year-old boy who took part in one of World Vision’s project in Gaza, was tragically killed by an Israeli air missile while playing inside his home,” said Alex Snary, National Director of World Vision’s work in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza. “The video and pictures of Saher cradled in the arms of his anguished father are horrifying.”

“Saher participated in a children’s event by the beach in Gaza a few weeks ago. He and the other children flew kites carrying messages of peace and hope for the future,” said Snary. “Saher flew his kite in the sky of Gaza, dreaming of a better future, but unfortunately we could not protect him from this tragic end."

"Saher’s death is unfortunately typical of the innocent blood being spilt in this conflict. Attacks that kill children while sheltering in their homes have to be stopped immediately."

According to OCHA 77 per cent of all casualties in Gaza have been civilians. To date, 36 children have been killed, and due to the blockade of Gaza, civilians cannot escape the carnage.

“Even for the young generation like Saher who have a desire for peace, there is little hope in this environment of extreme violence and trauma,” said Snary.

OCHA reports that at least 25,000 traumatized children in Gaza are in need of psychosocial support. World Vision is preparing to implement an emergency response, which includes creating Child Friendly Spaces and providing the much needed psychosocial counselling for children as soon as the security situation allows.

World Vision calls on both parties to fulfil their responsibility of protecting children and civilians.

“We urge both parties to commit to a cease-fire to protect all children caught in the conflict and to engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure these cycles of senseless violence do not continue,” said Snary

ENDS

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