Suffer the little children. It is ever the way, from Rwanda to Gaza

The phrase "Suffer the little children" is a quote from the Bible, specifically from the book of Matthew (19:14), where Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This quote is often used to emphasize the importance of protecting and caring for children, especially during times of conflict and crisis.

The statement "It is ever the way, from Rwanda to Gaza" highlights the unfortunate reality that children are disproportionately affected by conflicts and crises around the world. According to UNICEF, children are often the most vulnerable during times of war or instability due to their size, dependency, and lack of power or resources to protect themselves.

In the case of Rwanda, the 1994 genocide resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1 million people, many of whom were children. The conflict began in April 1994 when the Rwandan president was assassinated, leading to widespread violence between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups. Children were targeted and killed in various ways, including being used as human shields, forced to witness atrocities, or recruited as child soldiers. Many children were also left orphaned or separated from their families.

Similarly, in the Gaza Strip, children have been affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups. According to UNICEF, since 2000, over 1,500 Palestinian children have been killed and thousands more have been injured in the violence. The conflict has also resulted in widespread displacement, with many children living in poverty and lacking access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

Children in conflict zones often face various forms of violence, including physical abuse, sexual violence, and emotional trauma. They may also be denied access to education, healthcare, and other essential services, which can have long-term consequences for their development and future prospects.

It is important to note that conflicts and crises affect children in different ways depending on the context and specific circumstances. However, the fact remains that children are often the ones who suffer the most during times of instability and violence. Efforts to protect and support children in conflict zones include providing them with access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support, as well as working to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace and stability in affected communities.