Children Run Marathon to Highlight Gaza's Growing Orphan Crisis

A group of children from Gaza completed a marathon on Tuesday to draw international attention to the region’s escalating orphan crisis. The 42‑kilometre run, organized by the Palestinian Children’s Rights Association in partnership with local NGOs, saw more than 300 participants, many of whom had lost parents in the recent conflict. The event was held in the outskirts of Khan Younis, with the route passing through several displaced persons camps.

The organizers said the marathon was intended to raise awareness and funds for emergency shelter, education and psychological support for the estimated 10,000 orphans in Gaza, a figure that has risen sharply since the latest hostilities began. A spokesperson for the association highlighted that the children’s participation aimed to humanize the crisis and encourage international donors to increase aid. In addition to the run, a brief rally was held at the finish line where representatives from UNICEF and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) spoke about the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance.

The event concluded with a pledge from the organizers to continue advocacy efforts, including lobbying for a ceasefire and the safe return of displaced families. While the marathon did not directly alter policy, it added a powerful narrative to the growing global call for humanitarian relief in Gaza, underscoring the plight of children left parentless by war.