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." However, this phrase has taken on a different meaning in the context of war and conflict.

Children are often the most vulnerable victims in times of war and conflict. According to UNICEF, an estimated 250 million children live in areas affected by armed conflict worldwide. In such situations, they face various forms of violence, including physical harm, sexual violence, recruitment into armed forces or armed groups, and separation from families.

One notable example of the suffering of children in war-torn areas is Rwanda, where in 1994, an estimated 1 million people were killed during the genocide, many of whom were children. The violence led to the displacement of over 2 million people, and thousands of children were orphaned or separated from their families.

Another region where children have suffered greatly is the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has resulted in numerous casualties among children. According to UNICEF, between 2000 and 2019, over 1,600 Palestinian children were killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that since 2000, over 130 Israeli children have been killed in Palestinian terror attacks.

Children in these areas often face not only direct violence but also the indirect consequences of war, such as lack of access to education, food, water, and healthcare. For instance, in Yemen, which has been embroiled in a civil war since 2015, over 11 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance, including food, water, sanitation, and healthcare.

In conclusion, the suffering of children in war-torn areas is a tragic reality that continues to persist despite efforts to protect them. From Rwanda to Gaza, and many other parts of the world, children are often the ones who bear the brunt of the consequences of conflict. It is essential that steps are taken to ensure their safety and well-being, both during and after conflicts.