Stolen childhood

With Gaza's economy devastated by years of sanctions and decades of conflict, many families send their children to work in the city's rubbish dumps, streets and workshops.

Many children help to support large extended families

Raed Ahmed Moussa, 14, mechanic, Gaza City

Raed Ahmed Moussa has been working at a Gaza workshop fixing car engines since he was 13. As his father is unemployed, Raed supports his extended family of eight brothers and sisters from his father's two wives.

"I quit school right after the war in January 2009 and I'm not even thinking of going back. Frankly I'm fed up with school. The teachers used to cane me across the palms of my hands because I wasn't a good student.

 "My father has been out of work for years now. I'm the only breadwinner. One of my younger brothers quit school a year ago to work but he is doing nothing because there aren't any jobs in Gaza.

"I make 70 shekels a week (£12; $18) and give all the money I make to my father. He gives me 10 shekels a week, which isn't even enough to pay my transport to and from work each day.

"My salary is really low, but I'm sure it will get better. I love my job but I dream that one day I'll travel abroad to work in a foreign country."

To read the whole article click on the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-10878970