After 15 years of blockade, four out of five children in Gaza say they are living with depression, grief and fear  

Momen*, 10 | Bassem*, 8 | Sahar*, 9  – Gaza, occupied Palestinian territory –  Randa Ghazy/ Save the Children

Toronto, 15 June 2022– Fifteen years of life under blockade has left four out of five children in the Gaza Strip reporting that they live with depression, grief and fear, according to disturbing findings released today by Save the Children.

The research found the mental wellbeing of children, young people and caregivers has dramatically deteriorated since a similar study in 2018, with the number of children reporting emotional distress increasing to 80% from 55%. These findings again show that maintaining the current status quo is negatively affecting children’s wellbeing and hopes for a better future.

“Trapped” reveals significant increase in effects of trauma on children

The report, titled “Trapped”, found a huge increase in children who reported feeling fearful (84% compared to 50% in 2018), nervous (80% compared to 55%), sad or depressed (77% compared to 62%) and grieving (78% compared to 55%). It also found that more than half of Gaza’s children have contemplated suicide[i] and three out of five are self-harming[ii] .

Roula Kikhai, Humanitarian Advisor for Save the Children Canada, said:

“We are gravely concerned to hear about the continued deterioration of the emotion, mental and physical wellbeing of children living through this blockade. No child should live in constant fear of bombs and violence. The implications of the stress, depression and fear that children are living with is not only devastating to their ability to live and thrive as children today, but is also devastating to their long-term prospects as they struggle to process the trauma of a childhood lived in fear.

It is now more critical than ever that Israel lifts the blockade of the Gaza Strip, and that local authorities, the international community and donors support the rapid strengthening of child protection and mental health support services for affected children.”

Six major events contribute to mental health crisis for children

In the past 15 years, children in the Gaza Strip have endured six major moments – five escalations in violence and the COVID-19 pandemic – as well as a life-limiting land, air, and sea blockade imposed by the government of Israel. Children make up 47% of Gaza’s population of two million, with over 800,000 having never known life without the blockade[iii].

As well as physical harm, economic deprivation and lack of access to essential services such as healthcare, the blockade has sparked a mental health crisis for children and young people, today’s research shows.

Nightmares about bombings

Amr, 14, still remembers how afraid he felt during the escalation in violence last year: “During the night, I couldn’t sleep because I had a nightmare. I was really afraid that they would bomb our house or would bomb our neighbours again. I was on edge. I would tell my dad about the nightmares and he would reassure me that it won’t happen. Then I would go back and try to sleep again.”

For the report, Save the Children consulted 488 children and 168 parents and caregivers in the Gaza Strip in a repeat of similar research by the child rights organization in 2018.

Caregivers describe the effects of trauma on children

Caregivers described concerning behaviour in children and young people, with 79% reporting an increase in bedwetting over the past few years and 78% reporting that their children rarely completed tasks. About 59% said there had been an increase in children experiencing difficulties in speech, language and communication, including temporary reactive mutism, which is a symptom of trauma or abuse. All these behaviours have a huge immediate and long-term impact on the development, learning and social interaction of children, Save the Children said.

Caregivers are also experiencing higher levels of emotional distress, according to the report, with 96% reporting feeling unhappy and constantly anxious.

Jason Lee, Country Director for Save the Children in the occupied Palestinian territories, said:

“The children we spoke to for this report described living in a perpetual state of fear, worry, sadness and grief, waiting for the next round of violence to erupt, and feeling unable to sleep or concentrate. The physical evidence of their distress – bedwetting, loss of ability to speak or to complete basic tasks – is shocking and should serve as a wakeup call to the international community.

“Five years ago, caregivers said that their capacity to support their children is being pushed to the limit by the blockade, chronic poverty, and insecurity, and would most likely be utterly destroyed in the event of another conflict. Our findings show that caregivers’ concerns have sadly come true.

“We call on all sides to tackle the root causes of this conflict, and take steps to protect all children and families who deserve to live in safety and dignity. We need an immediate end to the conflict and economic deprivation that are huge stressors in children’s lives, as well as action to support the coping potential and resilience of children and their families in the Gaza strip.”

Fourteen-year old imagines life without blockade

Ameera, 14, told us how her life would change if the blockade was removed today, telling us that she would “feel more connected to the whole world. I can do whatever I want and go to wherever I want. I would study computer science and specifically get a degree in virtual reality design. This is what I really want to do in my life but I can’t do it here in Gaza, we don’t have such a programme.”

Save the Children is calling for the government of Israel to take immediate steps to lift the blockade of the Gaza Strip within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1860 (2009). The international community should urgently call for Israel to take these steps, along with bringing an end to the ongoing occupation and work with all parties to create conditions for renewed talks between the parties to the conflict towards creating a just solution.

ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS  

• The blockade of the Gaza Strip has been deemed by UN Human Rights Experts[iv] and the International Committee of the Red Cross to be contrary to international law as it constitutes ‘collective punishment’ and prevents civilians from securing their basic rights.[v] Collective punishment is explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law by Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
• Israel, as the occupying power, is responsible for ensuring the welfare of the Palestinian civilian population and has the primary duty to provide for basic needs. According to the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, the blockade breaches these rights[vi], particularly to freedom of movement and the enjoyment of their rights to an adequate standard of living, health, education, work and family life.[vii]