The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians, most of them women and children. According to UNICEF, at least 23,084 people have been killed – including 9,600 children – and nearly 59,000 wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. But the physical toll is only one aspect of the tragedy. The psychological impact of living under constant fear, violence, and uncertainty is devastating the mental health of the children who survive.
Children in Gaza are exposed to traumatic events that no child should ever witness. They see their homes destroyed, their loved ones injured or killed, their schools and hospitals bombed, and their friends and neighbors fleeing for safety. They hear the deafening sounds of explosions, sirens, and gunfire. They feel the shaking of the ground, the heat of the flames, and the pain of the wounds. They experience the loss of everything they know and love.
Mental Health Impact on Children
These experiences can cause severe and lasting mental health problems for children, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, aggression, withdrawal, and low self-esteem. Some children may also develop physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, and bedwetting. These problems can affect their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.
According to Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, the director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program, the situation in Gaza is “the most dangerous place in the world to be a child”. He warns that the mental well-being of children is being pushed beyond the breaking point, and that the consequences will be huge for the future of Gaza and the region. He says that the children need urgent psychological support and protection, as well as a lasting political solution that will end the cycle of violence and oppression.
The international community has a moral and legal obligation to protect the rights and well-being of children in Gaza. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Israel and Palestine have both ratified, states that children have the right to life, survival, and development, as well as the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, and neglect. The convention also recognizes the right of children to express their views, to participate in decisions that affect them, and to enjoy their culture, religion, and language.
The children of Gaza deserve to live in peace, dignity, and freedom. They deserve to have a childhood that is filled with joy, hope, and creativity. They deserve to have a future that is bright, prosperous, and secure. They deserve to have a voice that is heard, respected, and valued. They deserve to have a world that cares for them, supports them, and protects them.