‘Marathon’ shines light on Gaza’s orphaned children and humanitarian crisis

What the report says

In Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip, a children’s running event on Friday drew attention to the growing number of young people left without one or both parents during Israel’s war in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, the race was organized by International Networking for Humanitarian (INH) Indonesia and brought together boys and girls from across the territory in a public show of support for orphaned children.

The article says UNICEF estimates that more than 58,000 children in Gaza have lost one or both parents, while the wider war has displaced families, reduced access to healthcare and education, and deepened psychological distress. Al Jazeera also reported that more than 73,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, citing local health officials. The event was presented as both a community activity and a call for more humanitarian attention and sponsorship for families now caring for children alone.

The report focused on individual family stories, including a boy left paralyzed after an Israeli artillery strike near his tent and his mother, who said she now carries all caregiving responsibilities. Another widowed mother described the difficulty of meeting children’s emotional and material needs. Organizers said orphaned children are among the most affected in wartime and need long-term support, not just temporary aid. The symbolic awarding of medals to 100 orphaned children underscored the event’s message of recognition and solidarity.