TEHRAN – A group of children’s literature activists have condemned the crimes of the regime of Israel in shedding the blood of the oppressed Palestinian people, particularly the suffering children of Gaza, in a statement published on Wednesday.

They express concern for the dreams and hopes of Palestinian children, who have experienced years of trauma, have not seen laughter on their faces, and have only known a cloud of sadness, pain, and loss. 

The signatories of the statement, including writers, poets, artists, and activists in the field of children's literature and art, pray for the liberation of Palestine from the clutches of the oppressors, and for the peace of all children in the world. 

The statement highlights the fact that Palestinian children have been forced to abandon their dreams and grow up in a world of unequal war, alongside their parents, where they have lost everything they hold dear.

Parts of the statement is as follows:

“Once again, the world has witnessed the ugly and satanic face of the usurping regime of Israel, and the veil has been lifted from the corrupt nature of this demon. 

For years, Palestinian children and youth have left their dreams behind, and have become small men and women alongside their fathers, mothers, and grandparents in an unequal and fiery war. 

These children have not seen real laughter on their faces for years and carry only dust of pain, suffering, and grief caused by constant loss.

As activists in the fields of culture, art, and literature for children and young adults, we, alongside the proud people of Iran, strongly condemn the recent crimes committed by the corrupt and savage Israeli regime in the bloodshed of Gaza's oppressed and justice-seeking people. 

We declare that we respect the innocence and purity of the smiles that have been wiped off their faces and we pray for every child wherever they may be, for their happiness and hopeful life. We pray for the buds of hope that have suffered in Gaza not to wither away. We pray for the liberation of the holy city of Quds from the claws of the oppressive bloodthirsty. And we ask God to ensure that all children of the world sleep soundly, free from fear of war, anxiety from loneliness, and despair for a bleak future.”

Since October 7, when Hamas unexpectedly started Operation Al-Aqsa Storm in the occupied territories in reaction to the Israeli regime’s increased atrocities against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, Israel has been bombing Gaza.

It is reported that over 10,000 Palestinians, including 4,800 children, have been killed in Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip since 7 October.

UNICEF has recently announced that children and families in Gaza are caught in a catastrophic situation. 

Thousands of children have reportedly been killed and thousands more injured.Children and families in Gaza have been cut off from water, food, fuel, medicine, and other essentials, including safe access to hospitals, following escalating hostilities. 

UNICEF has also called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for unrestricted humanitarian access to allow aid to reach children and families in need, save lives and prevent further suffering.  

The cost to children and their communities of the escalating violence will be borne out for generations to come. Children are dying at an alarming rate and being denied their basic rights. Civilians must be protected – children particularly – and all efforts must be made to spare them in all circumstances.

SAB/