KATAMBA ZAINAH: The Untold Stories of a Generation Growing Up in the Shadow of the Israel–Hamas War

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published a commentary by Zainah Katamba focusing on the effects of the Israel–Hamas war on young people, especially in Gaza. The article argues that public accounts of war often emphasize leaders, military operations and damaged infrastructure, while giving less attention to children, students and young adults whose education, safety and future plans have been disrupted.

Citing United Nations figures, the commentary says about 60% of buildings in Gaza, including homes, schools and hospitals, have been damaged or destroyed, and roughly 90% of the population has been displaced. It notes that the current war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel then launched a major military campaign in Gaza, saying it aimed to dismantle Hamas, prevent further attacks and recover hostages.

The article presents the conflict as both a security dispute and a humanitarian crisis. It says Israel frames its actions as self-defence, while Hamas describes its position as resistance to occupation and restrictions on Gaza. Katamba also references concern from the UN, WHO, UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross over civilian harm, healthcare collapse, children’s needs and obligations under humanitarian law.

A central focus is the Afro-Arab Youth Council’s concern that young people are among the most affected by the war. The commentary calls for recovery efforts that go beyond ceasefires, including rebuilding schools, mental health support, jobs and youth participation in peacebuilding, arguing that lasting peace depends on protecting and involving the generation that will inherit the outcome.