Since the escalation of conflict, more than one million children continue to suffer in the midst of the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The surge in hostilities has brought about devastating physical and mental impacts on children and their families. While aid is slowly entering Gaza, it is not enough, and the needs are immense.
Casualties on both sides have been high, including an alarming number of children, demonstrating the grim reality that no child is safe amidst the intense fighting. In the Gaza Strip, children's health remains a concern. According to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, all children under five in Gaza — 335,000 — are at a high risk of severe malnutrition and preventable death. A new risk factor in the form of polio has also emerged. In June 2024, for the first time in 25 years, poliovirus type 2 was found in central Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has also disrupted children's education across the region. Over 86% of the Gazan population has been subject to at least one displacement order. Displacement on this scale has severely diminished or removed children’s access to education. Over 645,000 Palestinian children have lost a full academic year of schooling since October 7, 2023.
UNICEF is on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank to address the humanitarian needs of children and their families while calling for an immediate ceasefire. Since October 21, UNICEF has:
- Provided 2.9 million people with access to safe water
- Supported 253,372 million people with UNICEF procured medical supplies
- Admitted 18,333 children with wasting for treatment
- Reached 375,692 households with UNICEF-funded humanitarian cash transfers
- Provided 286,247 children and caregivers access to community-based mental health and psychosocial support
With your support, UNICEF can continue this critical work for children and families in the State of Palestine during this ongoing conflict.
