The world today increasingly feels like a conflict zone, where faith in humanity is slowly fading. Amid the smoke of missiles and the language of power.
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The world today increasingly feels like a conflict zone, where faith in humanity is slowly fading. Amid the smoke of missiles and the language of power, it is not leaders or soldiers who suffer the most, but children. Many lose their lives, while others are left alone after losing their parents and families in war.
As of early April 2026, the humanitarian situation for children in the State of Palestine, especially in the Gaza Strip, remains extremely serious due to ongoing conflict, blockade, and shortages of food and medical care. Reports from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics and UNICEF suggest that over 21,000 children have been killed in Gaza between October 2023 and early 2026.
On 28 February 2026, during the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, a girls’ elementary school in Minab, located in Hormozgan Province, was destroyed by a missile strike. Witness reports and satellite analysis indicate that the school was hit multiple times, causing the roof to collapse on students. At least 175 civilians were killed, many of them school children.
In another instance, a video circulated on Instagram showing a young Iranian girl wishing for a Pink missile attack on Israel. Many people praised her in the comments. However, it is deeply concerning to see a child, not even 10 years old, speaking about war and violence. At that age, children should be learning, playing, and growing, not being influenced by conflict and hatred.
Closer to home, the ethnic conflict in Manipur has also caused significant suffering. Since the violence began, more than 260 people have been killed and over 60,000 displaced. Children living in relief camps continue to face fear and uncertainty. On April 7, 2026, a bomb blast in Moirang Tronglaobi killed two children—a five-year-old boy and a six-month-old girl—and injured their mother.
The loss of these innocent lives is heartbreaking. These children had done nothing wrong. They were the hopes of their families and could have grown into future leaders, doctors, scientists, or soldiers serving the nation.
Children who grow up surrounded by violence, loss, and hatred often carry deep trauma. Such experiences may shape their future, sometimes leading to continued cycles of conflict. Instead of violence and destruction, efforts should be made to resolve problems through dialogue and negotiation.
There is a growing concern that many leaders are prioritising their own interests rather than addressing the needs and welfare of the people.
The suffering of children in places like the Gaza Strip, Iran, and Manipur highlights the true cost of conflict. Innocent lives are being lost while leaders fail to prioritize peace. Without urgent efforts toward dialogue and responsibility, this cycle of violence will continue, affecting future generations.
Omnyei M Konyak