The Israeli-Gaza conflict has had a devastating impact on children, with one child losing their life approximately every 15 minutes, according to a Palestinian NGO. Since the start of the Israeli bombardment on October 7, more than 100 children have tragically lost their lives each day in the besieged Palestinian enclave, resulting in over 3,400 Palestinian casualties in one of the deadliest Israeli assaults in decades.
A spokesperson for The Defense for Children International – Palestine (DCIP) has described the situation as a real-time genocide. Regrettably, at least 14 children were reportedly among the 1,400 Israeli victims of the October 7 Hamas attack, and around 200 people, including children, were taken captive by Hamas. Israel has not provided comprehensive data regarding the demographics of those killed in that attack.
While international conventions, such as the Geneva Conventions of 1949, call for the protection and humane treatment of children in armed conflicts, Israel’s stance on the 4th Geneva Convention, which safeguards civilians in occupied territories, differs, as it does not recognize Palestine as occupied land. Israel maintains that its disproportionate use of military force in Gaza is a legitimate means to target Hamas, and therefore, civilian casualties, including children, are not considered war crimes.
The psychological toll on children in Gaza is immense, with many experiencing symptoms like vomiting and bed-wetting in response to the ongoing bombings and destruction. Approximately 95 percent of Palestinian children in Gaza are grappling with the psychological effects of war. Research by Palestinian psychologist Dr. Iman Farajallah reveals that children surviving wars often endure severe psychological, emotional, and behavioral consequences, including restlessness, regression, and violent behavior.
Schools in Gaza have been severely affected, as many have been turned into makeshift shelters, and education has been put on hold. The United Nations is providing refuge to about 400,000 displaced Gazans in schools and facilities, but at least four schools run by the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, have suffered damage from Israeli bombing. The Education Above All (EAA) Foundation’s al-Fakhoora school in Gaza was also destroyed, with the EAA asserting that such acts may constitute war crimes.
The lack of food and water due to Israel’s blockade on Gaza has worsened the crisis. While water supplies have resumed, the lack of electricity to operate water pumps remains a problem. The shortage of food and water places children at risk of dehydration, malnourishment, cognitive impairments, and, at the worst, starvation.
The long-term consequences of this conflict are dire, with many children losing family members and suffering severe psychological trauma. Aid organizations are urgently calling for a ceasefire to provide humanitarian assistance to the children and families in Gaza, emphasizing that children must be protected at all times and should never be subjected to attacks.