17000 children separated from their parents in Gaza due to war: UNICEF

During a media briefing in Geneva, spokesperson Jonathan Cricus for UNICEF in the Palestinian territories highlighted the alarming situation in the Gaza strip. UNICEF revealed that due to the war in Gaza approximately 17000 children have been orphaned or separated from their parents.

The situation left them vulnerable and in dire need of assistance. According to a recent estimate by the United Nations, orphaned and separated children account for about one percent of the overall displaced population in Gaza. These children, traumatized by the loss of loved one and are struggling to cope with the harsh realities of war.

Cricus emphasized the difficulty in gathering accurate information about the affected children due to the chaotic and volatile nature of the conflict. Hospitals receive many children with injuries or trauma, making it challenging to identify them or reunite them with their families. The lack of proper documentation further complicates efforts to provide assistance to these vulnerable children.

Situation Analysis by UNICEF Spokesperson

Cricus underscored the severity of the situation, stating that relatives who would traditionally care for orphaned children are also struggling to survive amid shortages of food, water, and shelter. This leaves many children without immediate support and protection, exacerbating their already dire circumstances.

UNICEF defines separated children as those who have lost their parents or are without any relatives to care for them. These children are among the most vulnerable victims of conflict, often facing immense hardships and psychological trauma as they navigate their way through the chaos and uncertainty of war-torn environments.

Effects on Children’s Mental Health

The prolonged conflict has taken a severe toll on the mental health of Gaza’s children, with many experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The constant fear of violence and instability has robbed them of their childhoods, leaving them emotionally scarred and in desperate need of support.

UNICEF projected that more than half a million children in Gaza needed mental health and psychosocial help prior to the conflict breaking out. However, the scale of the current crisis has far exceeded initial projections, with nearly all children now requiring some form of psychological assistance to cope with the trauma and devastation they have endured.

The plight of orphaned and separated children in Gaza underscores the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and the prioritization of humanitarian aid efforts. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the horrors of war and violence. It is imperative that the international community takes immediate action to protect the rights and well-being of Gaza’s children and ensure that they receive the support and assistance they need to rebuild their lives.

The content of this report has been obtained from the UNICEF report.