Full Breakdown
The Impact of War on Childhood in Gaza
2/12/2026, 4:11:42 PM
Economic Hardship and Child Labor in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, children are increasingly forced to abandon their education and childhood dreams due to the dire economic conditions exacerbated by ongoing conflict. Fifteen-year-old Mahmoud, displaced and living in a tent, begins his day not with school preparations but by collecting materials like nylon, cardboard, and wood to provide fuel for his family. He describes his daily struggle, stating, “Sometimes I walk for six hours just to find a few pieces of wood.” Mahmoud’s responsibilities have intensified as he feels the weight of providing for his family after the loss of his father and the destruction of their home.
The economic situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with the United Nations reporting that over 97 percent of schools have been damaged or destroyed due to Israeli military actions, including airstrikes and demolitions. As a result, the 658,000 school-age children in Gaza have faced limited access to education for more than two academic years. Many remaining schools are now used as shelters for displaced families, further hindering educational opportunities.
Psychological Impact on Children
The consequences of this situation extend beyond immediate economic needs. Yaqeen Jamal, an educational psychologist, emphasizes that the experiences of children like Mahmoud and 11-year-old Layla, who sells tea to support her family, represent a systematic destruction of their future. Jamal warns that the long-term effects of such trauma could lead to widespread illiteracy and deteriorating mental health among Gaza's youth. “We are facing a generation suffering from illiteracy and deteriorating mental health,” she states, highlighting the urgent need for educational reconstruction.
Layla, who sells tea on the streets of Khan Younis to support her family, reflects on her lost childhood, saying, “I wish that the colour pink would return to my life.” Her father’s disability has left her as the primary breadwinner, forcing her to navigate the streets instead of enjoying her youth.
Official Statements and Responses
The United Nations has called for immediate action to address the educational crisis in Gaza, emphasizing that rebuilding schools and resuming educational processes must be a top priority. The organization highlights that education is crucial for preserving the identity and future of the Palestinian people.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics argue that the ongoing conflict and the resulting humanitarian crisis are not merely isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of systemic neglect and violence against the Palestinian population. The destruction of educational infrastructure and the economic collapse have drawn international condemnation, with calls for accountability and support for the affected communities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the United Nations reports significant damage to educational facilities, the exact number of schools still operational and the extent of their use as shelters remain unclear. Additionally, the long-term implications of the current crisis on Gaza's youth and the timeline for potential recovery are subjects of ongoing debate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The sack is empty now, but I feel its weight even before I fill it,” — Mahmoud, 15
- “It is the systematic destruction of an entire generation’s future.” — Yaqeen Jamal, Educational Psychologist
- “I wish that the colour pink would return to my life, that my room would return, that my family’s happy life before the war would return, she said.” — Layla, 11
The plight of children in Gaza underscores the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and a renewed focus on rebuilding educational infrastructure to secure a better future for the next generation.
