PNN – The situation of children in Gaza clearly represents a humanitarian catastrophe and systematic genocide, whose physical, psychological, social, and cultural dimensions are deeply intertwined.
Pakistan News Network: For over two decades, the Gaza Strip has been under the direct pressure of violence and blockade by the Zionist regime. The children of this region have been systematically targeted by direct and indirect violence, and the damages of war have reached an extensive and unprecedented scale physically, psychologically, and socially. From the beginning of the October 2023 war until the end of 2025, over 64,000 children in Gaza have been martyred or injured, with many losing their lives due to the bombing of homes and schools. These statistics only represent the physical dimension of the crisis; in addition to facing the threat of death, children are confronting widespread crises in accessing essential services like clean water, nutrition, and healthcare. Over 1.6 million people, including more than one million children, have been deprived of clean water and sanitation services—a situation that has increased the spread of infectious diseases and preventable deaths.
Collapse of Education and Academic Deprivation
A direct consequence of the war is the destruction of the educational system. Schools in Gaza have either been completely destroyed or turned into temporary shelters for the displaced. According to UN reports, over 95% of schools have been damaged or destroyed, and more than 625,000 children have been deprived of access to formal education. The deprivation of education has long-term and far-reaching consequences. Children without education face intellectual, social, and psychological regression, reinforcing the cycle of poverty and violence for the next generation. Psychological studies show that children deprived of education are at increased risk of anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders.
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Food Crisis and Malnutrition
The complete siege of the Gaza Strip, particularly since October 2023, has restricted access to food, infant formula, and nutritional supplements. UNICEF has reported that over 93% of children face severe food insecurity, and tens of thousands of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition. Malnutrition at these ages has serious and long-term consequences: impaired brain development, a reduction in learning capacity by up to 20%, weakened immune systems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases in the future are just part of its effects. The use of starvation as a weapon of war is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, and its impacts will last for generations.
Collapse of the Healthcare System
Gaza’s healthcare system was under severe strain even before the war, but direct Israeli attacks have rendered over 70% of medical centers non-operational. The result is an increased risk of preventable diseases for children, including respiratory infections, hepatitis, and skin diseases. A rise in infant mortality, births of children with congenital defects, and deprivation of vaccination are other consequences of the healthcare system’s collapse. These conditions not only threaten the current generation but also impose a heavy burden of disease and disability on the future of society.
Widespread Homelessness
The destruction of homes in Gaza has left over one million children without shelter, and more than 500,000 children live in temporary tents lacking any safety, heating, or basic facilities. Living under such conditions has increased the incidence of respiratory diseases and malnutrition, turning survival into a daily challenge. These children are at risk of death from cold and disease during the winter of 2025, and their psychological and physical security is completely threatened.
Physical Injuries and Permanent Disabilities
Israeli attacks have resulted in over 50,000 children being martyred or injured, with nearly 40,000 children suffering serious injuries and permanent disabilities. These injuries are not limited to physical pain and disability but have extensive psychological, social, and economic consequences for the future of the Palestinian generation. Many families lack the capacity to care for children with disabilities, and the shortage of resources and medical equipment has made rehabilitation services impossible.
Furthermore, since the beginning of the war, over 17,000 Palestinian children have been martyred and 33,000 children have been wounded. In other words, nearly 28 children in Gaza—equivalent to losing an entire classroom of children—lose their lives every day. Additionally, over 39,000 children have been orphaned, losing one or both parents. These conditions have created deep social and psychological wounds, threatening the very foundations of society.
Psychological Crisis of Children
Every child in Gaza needs psychological support and mental health services. A UNICEF report shows that 100% of children in the region are facing psychological problems due to the war. Common symptoms include chronic anxiety, depression, nightmares, and behavioral disorders that can persist into adulthood. The lack of infrastructure and resources has made specialized treatment for these children unavailable, allowing their psychological wounds to deepen further. These conditions can lead to psychological and cultural genocide, affecting Palestinian society for decades to come.