The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) released a report today highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing Israeli genocidal aggression on Gaza's youth.

According to the report, 24% of those killed in Gaza since the conflict began are youth, with 26% being male and 22% female.

In observance of International Youth Day, the PCBS report further revealed that 75% of those killed by Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, are under the age of 30.

The report projects a sharp decline in Gaza's population growth rate, which is expected to drop from an estimated 2.7% in 2023 to around 1% in 2024. This decline is attributed to a dramatic reduction in birth rates as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict.

The demographic impact of the war is anticipated to be profound, with the targeted attacks on children and youth likely causing long-term changes in Gaza's age and gender structure.

Prior to the Israeli assault, Palestine's population stood at approximately 5.6 million, with 1.2 million youths aged 18-29, representing 22% of the population. By the end of 2023, this proportion remained at 22% in the West Bank and 21% in Gaza.

The report also detailed the toll on the education sector, with 653 students from higher education institutions killed by Israeli forces, including 619 in Gaza and 34 in the West Bank. Additionally, 105 education workers in Gaza have been killed, and 1,406 students from Gaza's higher education institutions have been injured during the conflict. (ILKHA)