Fergal Keane: For the survivors of Gaza, the war will live on for a long time

Such assistance is financial assistance. It can be measured, counted, downloaded and finally distributed. People can be given food and medicine. But there is another problem that has huge demands and will have a profound impact on Gaza’s future.

War has created untold numbers of traumatized adults and children. We recorded some of their stories but we know of tens of thousands more that have yet to be spoken of.

Children have suffered acutely. According to a survey of 504 babysitters, UK charity War Child, external96% of children felt that death was inevitable.

The interviews also revealed that 49% had a wish to die. Our journalists have often heard that surviving young people wish to be reunited with their dead mother, father or sister.

Ten-year-old Amr al-Hindi was the only child who survived an Israeli strike on his building in Beit Lahia last October. Our employee in the area filmed Emri in the hospital right after the attack.

The floor around him was covered with wounded. A woman sat down with blood oozing from her ear. A man had just died nearby.

“Where’s the sheriff?” Amr asked repeatedly. A nurse told him Sheriff was fine. “I’ll take you upstairs to see him.” But his brother Sherif did not survive. Neither his other brother Ali, nor his sister Asila, nor his mother and father. The whole family is gone.

We flash back to see what happened to Amr al-Hindi right after the ceasefire was announced. He lived with his grandparents and it was clear that they loved him with care and tenderness. The child had three fingers amputated after the bombing, but was able to walk normally.

Amr sat on his grandfather’s lap and looked directly at the camera. He was still and calm as he peered out from behind the thick protective screen. He started talking about his brother Ali and talked about his desire to go to Jordan and study to become a doctor.

“I want to be like Ali. I want to fulfill his dream and go to Jordan to become a doctor,” he said. But after the last few words, tears began to flow and he sobbed.

Amr’s grandfather kissed him on the cheek; “my love” he said and stroked his chest.

It is understood that there are many wars here at the moment.

Some paused. Others who will live long into the future for those who survive.