Iran's children's theater fest to pay tribute to Gazan Children

Iran's 29th International Theater Festival for Children and Young Adults is set to include a special tribute to honor the children from Gaza who were killed by the Israeli army, as announced by the event's organizers.  

This initiative aims to show solidarity with the martyred children who lost their lives as a result of Israeli military operations, according to a report from IRNA on Tuesday.

The festival, themed "Theater: A Dialogue Without Borders", seeks to promote empathy, collaboration, and cultural growth.

It aims to inspire children in Iran and build their self-confidence through theatrical arts in the historic city of Hamadan.

The event's purpose also extends to encouraging social participation among children and teens, promoting cultural awareness, and strengthening family and intergenerational bonds.

Additionally, it seeks to enhance civic education and foster a sense of responsibility among young Iranians by involving them actively in theater production.

Scheduled to run from November 1 to November 7, the festival reflects a commitment to supporting the rights and well-being of children and young adults, seen as vital members of society.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the United Nations recently reporting that one million children in the region are enduring "hell on earth".

Over the past year, an estimated 40 children have died each day due to ongoing violence.

According to James Elder, the spokesperson for UNICEF, the situation for Gaza's children has continued to worsen since the conflict began more than a year ago.

He described Gaza as "the true embodiment of hell on earth" for the young residents, with conditions rapidly deteriorating.

The humanitarian crisis has left families in desperation, with no safe places for children to seek refuge. "There is no safety in schools, hospitals, or even crowded camps," Elder said, emphasizing the dangers that children and their families face daily.

The ongoing conflict and violence have exposed vulnerable children to extreme hardships, underscoring the urgent need for international support and humanitarian relief efforts.