A new study highlights the severe psychological impact on children living in Gaza amid the ongoing war. The research reveals that 96% of the children surveyed believe their death is imminent, with nearly half expressing a wish to die due to the overwhelming trauma they have endured.
The needs assessment, conducted by a Gaza-based NGO supported by the War Child Alliance, also found that 92% of the surveyed children are “not accepting of reality.” Additionally, 79% report suffering from nightmares, and 73% display aggressive behavior.
Helen Pattinson, the CEO of War Child UK, stated, “This report exposes that Gaza is one of the worst places in the world for a child.
Beyond the destruction of hospitals, schools, and homes, the psychological damage inflicted on these children is deep and long-lasting, despite their having no role in this conflict.”
The study involved interviews with parents and caregivers of 504 children from families with at least one child injured, disabled, or unaccompanied.
Conducted in June, the findings likely underestimate the current mental health situation due to more than 14 months of the war.
The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in an estimated death toll of over 44,000, with the UN Human Rights Office confirming that nearly 44% of these fatalities are children.
The report was published by the Community Training Centre for Crisis Management, with support from the War Child Alliance and the Dutch Relief Alliance.
The psychological effects on children include symptoms of stress, such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, social withdrawal, and concentration difficulties.
Many children have witnessed bombings, lost loved ones, and been displaced multiple times while fleeing for safety.
Around 1.9 million Palestinians in Gaza—about 90% of the territory’s population—have been displaced, with half of these being children.
Additionally, around 17,000 children are unaccompanied, with the actual number potentially being higher. Such separation exposes them to risks of abuse, exploitation, and other violations of their rights.
The report warns that the trauma experienced by these children will have long-term impacts, with emotional distress and behavioral changes that could persist for years, affecting their relationships, education, and overall well-being.
War Child, along with its partners, has reached approximately 17,000 children in Gaza with mental health support so far but aims to support one million children in what it plans to be its largest humanitarian initiative in its 30-year history.
Helen Pattinson urged the international community to take immediate action: “We must prevent a mental health crisis from becoming a long-lasting generational trauma that the region would struggle with for decades.”
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