A survey conducted in the Gaza Strip has revealed that 96% of children feel death is imminent, while 87% experience intense fear, and 79% suffer from persistent nightmares. These findings reflect the profound psychological toll of continuous displacement and bombardment on Gaza's youngest generation.

The study, carried out by the Palestinian Center for Community Training and Crisis Management with support from the War Child Alliance, highlighted the devastating impact of the prolonged crisis. Over a year of relentless violence has pushed children and their families to breaking points, with many living in despair.

The survey, which involved 504 families, including children with disabilities, injuries, or separated from their loved ones, painted a grim picture of mental health. It found that 92% of children reject their current reality, 77% avoid discussing traumatic events, 73% exhibit aggressive behaviours, and 49% expressed a desire to die due to the war.

The displacement crisis is equally harrowing. The study revealed that 88% of families have been uprooted multiple times, with 21% forced to relocate six times or more in their quest for safety. Economic hardship exacerbates the crisis, with most families surviving on less than $4.19 a day. Alarmingly, 24% of households are headed by children under 16, as 80% of adults remain unemployed.

The human cost of the 16-month-long Israeli assault on Gaza is staggering. Over 17,818 children have been killed, including 238 infants born and killed during the conflict. Among them, 853 were under a year old, with 44 succumbing to acute malnutrition. Women and children now make up 70% of the total victims.

The devastation has left 35,060 children orphaned, with 3,500 at imminent risk of death due to severe malnutrition caused by the man-made siege. These statistics are a harrowing testament to the ongoing suffering of Gaza’s children.