The Psychological Toll on Children in the West Bank and Gaza

For Palestinian children, the experience of growing up is increasingly defined by fear, violence, and trauma. A psychologist working in the occupied West Bank details the profound mental health crisis facing children in both the West Bank and Gaza, highlighting the urgent necessitate for increased support and a lasting ceasefire.

A Childhood Shaped by Fear

Children in the occupied West Bank and Gaza are experiencing levels of trauma that are reshaping their development. Many live with the constant fear of military raids, home demolitions, settler violence, and the daily humiliation at checkpoints. These experiences are not isolated incidents but rather a pervasive reality that impacts their sense of safety and well-being. Some children exhibit symptoms of trauma, such as nightmares, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, while others internalize their distress, leading to emotional withdrawal and depression.

The Crisis in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is particularly dire. For more than two years, children have faced displacement, loss, and violence with limited access to basic necessities. According to reports, at least 20,000 children have been killed since October 2023, averaging at least 24 children killed each day . This number is likely a significant undercount, as many children remain buried under rubble. Tens of thousands have been forced from their homes, schools have been destroyed, and hospitals have been targeted.

The Story of Hind Rajab

The case of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of her relatives, exemplifies the horrors faced by children in Gaza. Hind’s desperate pleas for help, documented during a phone call with a Palestine Red Crescent Society psychologist, highlighted the agonizing delays in receiving clearance from Israeli authorities to reach her. Tragically, Hind and two paramedics attempting to rescue her were killed . Her last words, expressing concern for her mother’s laundry, serve as a haunting reminder of the innocence lost in conflict.

A Mental Health Crisis

The ongoing violence is creating a widespread mental health crisis among Palestinian children. Nearly every child in Gaza is at risk of famine or preventable diseases. Over 650,000 children lack access to education, and more than 1.2 million require immediate psychological support. Reports indicate that over 39,300 children have lost one or both parents, leaving approximately 17,000 orphaned .

The Need for Immediate Action

Addressing this crisis requires immediate and sustained action. A permanent ceasefire is the first crucial step towards stability. This must be followed by the rapid restoration of healthcare and education systems, with a significant investment in psychosocial and mental health support. Mental health services cannot be an afterthought in humanitarian responses; they must be central from the beginning. Protecting children from continued violence is paramount, as no therapy can effectively address ongoing trauma.

The story of Hind Rajab, and the experiences of countless other Palestinian children, serve as a call to action. The world must answer this call to save those who remain and prevent the psychological injury of an entire generation.