The United Nations has sounded the alarm on the grave psychological toll endured by over one million children in the Gaza Strip. Trapped in a cycle of relentless suffering, these children are grappling with depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. This emotional distress has been compounded by the harrowing genocide committed against Palestinians over the past 15 months.

In a recent United Nations Security Council session, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, described the situation as a dire humanitarian catastrophe. He highlighted the unimaginable horrors faced by Gaza's children: mass killings, widespread hunger, and the tragic deaths of some due to exposure to the cold. According to Fletcher, more than 17,000 children in Gaza are currently separated from their families, amplifying their already unbearable psychological and physical torment.

The psychological trauma does not stop at separation or displacement. Dr. Arafat Abu Mshaikh, head of the mental health department at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, underscored the devastating impact of amputations on survivors. "Losing a limb, changes in body appearance, and the inability to perform daily activities cause immense psychological distress," Dr. Abu Mshaikh explained. These physical injuries leave a profound and lasting mark, further compounding the mental anguish of Gaza's population.

The mental health crisis among Gaza's children is now among the most severe in the world. Constant exposure to violence, displacement, and the destruction of their homes has robbed an entire generation of stability and hope. These young lives, scarred by unimaginable tragedy, represent a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for global action to alleviate their suffering.