Gaza: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) has released a report revealing that over 21,000 Palestinian children have been killed, and more than 44,000 have been injured since the onset of the Israeli aggression on Gaza in October 2023.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the report was issued on Palestinian Children's Day, highlighting that children under 18 make up 43 percent of the population, approximately 2.47 million, who are facing severe humanitarian challenges. These challenges include malnutrition, displacement, and limited access to education and healthcare services.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to significant devastation, with over 58,000 children orphaned and many others at risk of permanent disability. Approximately 4,000 children require urgent medical evacuation to survive. In the West Bank, 237 children have lost their lives since the conflict began, with more than 1,600 cases of child detention reported under harsh conditions.
Extensive destruction of infrastructure has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of children, who are now residing in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters. The presence of unexploded ordnance adds to the dangers they face. Access to essential resources like food, water, and healthcare is severely compromised, leading to widespread malnutrition and waterborne illnesses affecting thousands.
Education for the children has been critically disrupted. Around 700,000 students are unable to attend formal schooling due to the destruction of educational facilities, displacement, and the loss or incapacitation of teachers. The psychological impact on children is significant, with over one million in Gaza needing immediate mental health support.
The PCBS report stresses that without prompt intervention, the long-term repercussions will impact an entire generation of Palestinian children.
