Gaza civilians face unsafe beaches and lost childhoods amid ongoing war

The summer heat in the Gaza Strip drives thousands of families to the sea for brief respite, but the beach has become increasingly unsafe. Israeli attacks have destroyed most maritime rescue infrastructure; only 14 rescue points operate from tents, a reduction from the 24 watchtowers that once lined the coast. Rescue points are now spaced over 400 metres apart and lack basic equipment, leaving swimmers vulnerable to drowning.

At the same time, Gaza's children are experiencing a summer without play. Families like that of Faten Nabhan must keep children occupied by assigning them adult responsibilities such as fetching water, gathering firewood and helping with food distribution. The loss of a father in an Israeli air strike and the absence of community or institutional support leave the children with no toys, books or safe spaces. UNICEF stresses that play is essential for their recovery, describing the situation as a severe disruption to their development.