Days of Today: ten sponsored Palestinian children in Gaza capture images of their lives two years on

Ten sponsored Palestinian children in Gaza were given cameras in 2011 and asked take photos of their lives– lives shaped and influenced by the ongoing Israeli blockade and dwindling hope and vision for a brighter future. Two years later, following the second Israeli military offensive in five years, these same children take new photos of their lives today and talk about their aspirations for the future. 

Operation Pillar of Defense, Israel's recent military offensive in the Gaza Strip in November 2012 left 163 Palestinians dead, including 42 children. Over 1,200 Palestinians were injured, among them 431 children and 207 women. Six Israelis were also killed due to rocket fire. Hundreds of families in Gaza lost their livelihood and thousands of children suffered psychological distress.