New Study: Gaza’s Children Face Severe Psychological Toll Amid Catastrophic War

The study, Needs Assessment Study of Children with Disabilities, Injured and Separated or Unaccompanied, was conducted by the Community Training Centre for Crisis Management (CTCCM) with support from the War Child Alliance. It paints a harrowing picture of children’s mental health under Israeli bombardment and blockade.

“We met with injured, separated, and disabled children and their caregivers to hear from them about the toll of war on their lives. What they shared was devastating – but sadly, not surprising. This study reinforces what we have seen, heard and witnessed over more than a year. Children are traumatised by this war, and we must respond,” says a spokesperson and Project Technical Coordinator from CTCCM in Gaza.

The findings in this study are stark. Caregivers report that 96% of children feel death is imminent, and nearly half believe they will die because of the war. Many children exhibit symptoms of aggression, fear, withdrawal, and severe anxiety, alongside a pervasive sense of hopelessness. Years of displacement, loss, and relentless bombing have left children psychologically scarred and their families in dire circumstances.

The survey of 504 households reveals that 88% of families have been displaced multiple times, with 21% forced to move six or more times. Most families live on less than €122 a month, grappling with soaring prices for food and essentials due to the ongoing blockade and restrictions on humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, 80% of breadwinners are unemployed, reflecting the devastating economic consequences of the war.

“For children in Gaza, nowhere is safe. They have seen homes destroyed, loved ones killed, and schools turned to rubble. Even so-called evacuation zones are not spared from bombing. The mental health of Gaza’s children is under constant attack,” says Rob Williams, War Child Alliance CEO.

The findings of the report* emphasise that the international community must act urgently. A ceasefire is imperative to allow the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid. Critical supplies, including medical provisions and nutritional supplements, must reach those in need immediately. Mental health and psychosocial support must be scaled up to address the widespread trauma experienced by children and their families.

Amidst this devastation, War Child and its partners have stepped in to provide life-saving assistance. Since the war began, their efforts have reached over 180,000 people, including 118,000 children. This includes emergency provisions such as food, clean water, hygiene kits, warm clothing, and blankets.

Recognising the acute mental health crisis, War Child, CTCCM and other partners have begun addressing the trauma experienced by more than 17,000 children. Programmes such as psychological first aid, adapted versions of TeamUp, and recreational activities in child-friendly spaces are providing moments of relief amidst the chaos. These interventions are vital, helping children process their emotions and find resilience in the face of unimaginable stress. War Child is also addressing the needs of unaccompanied and separated children, a particularly vulnerable group. So far, over 580 of these children have been directly supported, with efforts underway to connect them with essential services and caregivers.

*Full study by CTCCM available on request.