NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- Israel has been carrying out attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. The Israeli war on Gaza has caused destruction of civilian infrastructure and increased the rates of poverty and famine. The death toll in Gaza has kept rising every passing day. Children in Gaza have been suffering from homelessness, extreme poverty and hunger and they have been deprived of their right to education since October 7. Many have to work in order to support their families.

Her father injured while waiting to receive humanitarian aid

Malak Abdel Aziz is a 10-year-old girl living in Gaza. Her father was shot and injured by Israeli forces while waiting to receive humanitarian aid. “We had nothing to eat and my father decided to go out in order to receive humanitarian aid. However, he was shot and injured. Since he has not received treatment, he cannot walk.”

She sells her used clothes

Since Malak Abdel Aziz is the firstborn in her family, she has become the only breadwinner of her family. “I was looking for a way to support my family. Due to the war, there are no job opportunities. Then, I decided to sell our used clothes in order to support my family. I sell the clothes on the streets. Even though passersby buy some clothes, I cannot earn enough money to meet my family’s basic needs. I feel sad when I sell our clothes at very low prices but I have to sell them.”

 She risks her life

Malak Abdel Aziz faces difficulties in walking from a neighborhood to another due to checkpoints and rubble blocking the roads. “I face difficulties in reaching people to sell the clothes. I sell the clothes on the streets; however, the streets are constantly bombed. I know I risk my life but I have to work. We have no access to drinking water, healthy food or healthcare services. Since the start of the war, we have had no power or food.”

Malak Abdel Aziz has to wake up early to sell the clothes. “I should go to school now but I sell our clothes on the streets. I have grown in a year.”