The United Nations has warned that children in Palestine are facing a deepening mental health emergency as ongoing violence, displacement, and personal loss continue to take a devastating toll. In Gaza alone, more than **one million children** are now in urgent need of mental health, psychosocial, and social support, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the prolonged crisis.
According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), more than two years of continuous violence and repeated displacement have severely damaged communities across both Gaza and the West Bank. The scale of trauma experienced by children has intensified as families endure constant instability, insecurity, and the collapse of basic support systems.
The crisis is being made worse by growing protection risks, including a reported rise in child marriage. UNFPA has noted that displacement, poverty, and the breakdown of social, legal, health, and protection systems are forcing families into extremely difficult decisions. Girls who are exposed to child marriage face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, while also losing access to education, safety, and personal autonomy.
Children in Palestine are living under constant fear due to repeated airstrikes, drone surveillance, and the destruction of homes and neighbourhoods. Many are also coping with the deaths of family members, disrupted education, and the loss of their communities. These experiences are contributing to widespread psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
In response, UNFPA has been providing support to girls and vulnerable children through mental health and psychosocial services, safe spaces, and protection programmes. These interventions are aimed at addressing trauma while also reducing risks such as gender-based violence and exploitation.
The United Nations has also expressed concern over unlawful killings and attacks on civilian areas, warning that such actions may amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law. The crisis is further undermining key protections under the **Convention on the Rights of the Child**, particularly children’s rights to health, education, and protection from exploitation, all of which are being severely threatened in the current situation.
