Growing Up in War: Rebuilding Childhood in Gaza
Nearly 1.9 million people in Gaza(about 90% of the population)have been displaced, many of them multiple times. Among them are an estimated 17,000 children who are unaccompanied or separated from their families. For many of these children, repeated displacement, loss, and constant insecurity have left deep psychological scars. At a time when emotional stability is essential for development, many are growing up in environments defined by fear and uncertainty.
Although a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, the humanitarian situation remains extremely fragile. In response, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), with support from the European Union, has expanded its Child Protection programs to address the growing mental health crisis among children in Gaza. Through structured psychosocial support sessions, children are given space to process trauma, identify safe spaces, rebuild daily routines, and develop coping skills that help them navigate life in conflict settings.
The program, led by child protection manager Faten, includes a series of tailored sessions held regularly in displacement camps. These activities focus on emotional expression, play-based learning, and rebuilding a sense of normalcy. Parents have reported noticeable improvements in their children’s behavior and emotional wellbeing. For families like Amani’s,who have been displaced eight times since the war began,these sessions offer more than temporary relief. They provide moments of stability and the possibility of hope.
Experiences like this highlight an important lesson: mental health support is not secondary to emergency aid. In conflict zones, psychosocial care and stable routines are essential for protecting children’s rights to development, learning, and safety. A ceasefire may pause the violence, but it does not erase trauma. Recovery requires long-term investment in protection systems, community-based care, and spaces where children can begin to heal.
For organizations and advocates working on human rights, this reminds us that protecting children in war must go beyond physical safety. Emotional wellbeing, access to supportive communities, and opportunities to rebuild everyday life are just as essential for a child’s future.
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