Over 38,000 Palestinian children have been orphaned due to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza since October 2023, according to Zaher al-Wahidi, a Health Ministry official.

The official data reveals that 32,151 children have lost their fathers, 4,417 their mothers, and 1,918 have tragically lost both parents. Additionally, the war has widowed at least 13,901 women. Al-Wahidi stressed the urgent need for international action to alleviate the immense suffering of these children and their families, emphasizing the necessity to rebuild their lives amid the devastation.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) posted on X, highlighting the catastrophic impact on Gaza's education system. The conflict has left nearly 660,000 children out of school, with 88% of educational facilities damaged. Over 14,500 children have reportedly been killed in the conflict, underscoring the dire situation where almost every second person in Gaza is a child. UNRWA underscored that education is not just a right but a critical pathway to stability and a hopeful future for these young lives.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarms about the severe mental health crisis affecting nearly all of Gaza's 1.1 million children. The ongoing war has left children dealing with nightmares, severe anxiety, and an overwhelming fear for their lives due to the continuous bombardments, loss of loved ones, and the escalating humanitarian crisis. According to UNICEF, the psychological impact of this conflict could have long-lasting effects, potentially affecting generations to come.

A recent study further illuminates the psychological devastation, revealing that 96% of children in Gaza feel their death is imminent, with nearly half expressing a wish to die as an escape from their traumatic reality. The study notes symptoms like nightmares, aggression, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. Mental health experts warn of the long-term consequences, predicting a future where these children bear deep psychological scars unless immediate and comprehensive interventions are implemented.

The relentless war in Gaza has not only led to physical destruction but has also sown seeds of psychological trauma that could shape the future of an entire generation. International bodies and the global community are urged to act swiftly to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term psychological rehabilitation of Gaza's children. (ILKHA)