Even before 2023, life in the Palestinian territories was marked by insecurity and violence. Since the Hamas attacks and the ongoing war, however, the situation has drastically worsened: Almost all residents of Gaza have lost family members, and families in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are also suffering from the fear of displacement, hunger, and bombing. Together with our partners on the ground, we are providing emergency humanitarian aid and supporting sustainable projects.
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Palestine: Children's rights under occupation, violence and war
Palestinian children grow up in very different but interconnected realities: in the West Bank and East Jerusalem under long-term occupation and escalating violence, and in the Gaza Strip under the consequences of war, ongoing bombing, massive destruction, displacement, and a persistent humanitarian crisis. For children, this means the loss of housing, education, and healthcare, as well as severe psychosocial stress.
West Bank and East Jerusalem: Occupation and escalating violence
Settlement expansion, settler violence, home demolitions, and extreme restrictions on movement characterize the daily lives of Palestinian families. Since the beginning of the year, approximately 4,300 Palestinians have been displaced, including more than 1,000 children. Between January and August 2026 alone, more than 1,600 attacks by Israeli settlers resulting in injuries and/or property damage were documented. Children's rights are curtailed long before a child becomes a victim of violence: the loss of their home and constant insecurity deprive children of protection and stability.
Gaza: Destruction, death and genocide
Since October 2023, the Gaza Strip has been the scene of massive violence, widespread destruction, and repeated displacement – in a reality already marked by years of occupation, blockade, and profound restrictions on daily life. On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups killed civilians and other people in Israel and took hostages. The subsequent Israeli military operations have led to a profound humanitarian crisis. More than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed. UNICEF reports that at least 21,700 children have been killed and around 45,000 injured. More than 11,000 of them suffered life-altering injuries, often resulting in permanent disabilities. According to previous UN analyses, around 61 million tons of rubble lie in the Gaza Strip, including schools, hospitals, and water and sewage systems. The consequences will burden families for years to come. Children are affected in all aspects of life. Almost all households suffer from water shortages. Around 4,000 children outside Palestine require medical treatment, but restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities make it difficult for them to leave. Nearly nine out of ten children need psychosocial support. The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded in September 2025 that Israeli authorities and security forces have committed and continue to commit genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Children's rights
The situation for children in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza is catastrophic. The consequences of occupation, displacement, and war extend far beyond immediate injuries and deaths. Children are losing familiar places, family members, and social structures. Protection, healthcare, education, psychosocial support, as well as water, food, and housing are severely restricted. Where these basic necessities are lacking, children's rights are violated.
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Your contact person
Henriette Hänsch
Regional Coordinator Middle East/North Africa