'Children of the Gravel' deaths continue to rise
A new report has been released, revealing 28 cases in which children have been shot at, while gathering gravel or working near to the border fence of the blockade.
The attacks took place between the dates March 26th 2010 and October 3rd 2011, according to the group ‘Defence for Children International’, who also detail the actions of Israeli soldiers who shoot at the legs of workers and children to scare them away from the border.
There have also been cases of working donkeys being shot and killed. There is a rule that people in a 300m distance from the fence risk their lives, although there have been reports of people being shot at from an 800 distance.
The ‘children of the gravel’, as they have become known, gather gravel in an attempt to sell to reconstruction projects. The restriction on materials entering Gaza means that reconstruction is almost impossible, and children can earn up to $14 per day in this pursuit.
A considerable part of the international aid that enters Gaza, and supports 80% of this blockaded region, goes towards reconstruction and development and aims to remove the need for families to rely on such dangerous ways of surviving.
Al Fakhoora are proud to be furthering this cause with eight reconstruction projects for universities and colleges in the blockade.
We have high hopes for the access to education that this will facilitate in safe, comfortable and resourced buildings...as well as a sign of progress against all odds.
