96% of children in Gaza live in fear of imminent death, with nearly half expressing a wish to die

A recent study has highlighted the profound impact of the Israeli regime’s 14-month military campaign in the Gaza Strip, particularly the significant fear of death it has instilled among the children in the region.

The findings of a recent survey, released on Wednesday, were conducted by a non-governmental organization located in Gaza and funded by the London-based charity, War Child Alliance.

A recent study has revealed alarming statistics, indicating that up to 96% of the children in the region believe their death is likely to occur soon, while 49% of these young individuals have expressed a desire to die.

The assessment further indicated that 92% of the minors demonstrated a lack of acceptance of reality. Additionally, 79% experienced nightmares, while 73% exhibited signs of aggression.

In a survey conducted in June, researchers gathered data from parents or caregivers of 504 children belonging to families in which at least one child is either disabled, injured, or unaccompanied.

Helen Pattinson, the Chief Executive of War Child UK, stated that the report starkly illustrates that Gaza ranks among the most distressing places globally for children to experience childhood.

In addition to the destruction of hospitals, schools, and residential areas, the conflict has inflicted psychological trauma on children, leaving them with deep, invisible wounds. Despite bearing no responsibility for the war, these young individuals are significantly affected by its consequences.

As of recent reports, a minimum of 44,805 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in the conflict initiated on October 7, 2023. This followed a retaliatory operation by Gaza’s resistance movements, in response to longstanding occupation and aggressive actions by Israeli forces. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, nearly 70 percent of the casualties in the Gaza Strip are women and children.

The United Nations Human Rights Office reports that children account for 44% of the fatalities. However, some estimates suggest that the percentage could be higher.

On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly decisively passed a resolution advocating for “an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire” in the region. The resolution, which received significant support, calls for an urgent cessation to the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Gaza that began in October 2023, highlighting the need for a prompt resolution to the hostilities.

In a recent vote, 158 countries endorsed the resolution, while nine nations, including Israel and its principal ally, the United States, opposed it. Additionally, 13 countries chose to abstain from the voting process.

Robert Wood, the Deputy United Nations Envoy representing the United States, which has notably increased its political and military backing for the regime amid the ongoing conflict, stated that approving the proposed text would be “shameful and wrong.”

The United States has consistently exercised its veto authority to block comparable resolutions in the United Nations Security Council on nearly every instance.