One million children in Gaza need psychological support, and girls face increasing risks

In an interview with UN News, Sima Al-Alami, Adolescent and Youth Program Officer at the United Nations Population Fund, painted a bleak picture supported by alarming statistics. She said: “We have more than a million children in Gaza who need psychosocial support services.”

According to UNFPA data cited by Alami, 96% of these children feel that death is imminent, saying that “It reflects the depth of fear and shock they experience daily.”

Among adolescents and young people – who are often overlooked in humanitarian crises – the psychological toll is no less severe. About 61% suffer from PTSD, 38% from depression, and 41% from anxiety. She added: “Alarmingly, one in five adults contemplate suicide on an almost daily basis.”

Mrs. Al-Alami confirmed that ““It’s not just psychological distress, it’s a widespread mental health emergency.”

Girls are more at risk

In the midst of this crisis, girls are among the most vulnerable groups. In Gaza, child marriage – which had been on the decline – has risen sharply. Rates had fallen from 25.5% in 2009 to 11% in 2022, but are now on the rise again as families struggle to survive.

A recent study conducted by the United Nations Population Fund found that 71% of respondents in Gaza reported increased pressure on them to marry girls under the age of 18. In just a short monitoring period, more than 400 marriage licenses were issued to girls between the ages of 14 and 16 in emergency courts – numbers that are likely an underestimate.

Mrs. Alami explained: “Some families see marriage as a survival strategy in the face of displacement, poverty and insecurity.” Others believe it provides protection in overcrowded shelters or helps alleviate economic hardship that follows the collapse of livelihoods.

In 2025, about 10% of newly recorded pregnancies in Gaza were among teenage girls, a marked increase compared to pre-war levels, according to Ms. Sima.

At the same time, access to health care has declined dramatically. Only 15% of health facilities in Gaza are currently able to provide emergency obstetric and neonatal care services, increasing the risk of complications for young mothers and their babies.

Child marriage also exposes girls to violence. Mrs. Alami said: “Some evidence indicates that 63% of girls who were married at an early age were exposed to physical, psychological or sexual violence.” Reports indicate high divorce rates and the spread of severe psychological distress among married minors. In extreme cases, the consequences are life-threatening.

She indicated that “More than 100 cases of suicide or attempted suicide have been documented among female survivors of violence,” Emphasizing that child marriage is a form of gender-based violence.

A persistent feeling of insecurity in the West Bank

While Gaza remains the epicenter of the crisis, conditions in the West Bank are also deteriorating. Escalating violence, military operations and settler attacks have displaced residents, especially in refugee camps, while movement restrictions and the closure of checkpoints have disrupted daily life and forced many schools to close.

Ms. Alami said that children and youth live under constant pressure and continued: “They face fear of raids, movement restrictions, and uncertainty about livelihoods and access to services. This creates chronic anxiety and a persistent feeling of insecurity.”

These stresses can have long-term consequences, affecting behavior and mental health well into adulthood. Some young people are even thinking about leaving Palestine permanently, according to Alami.

Safe spaces provide a lifeline

In light of these challenges, UNFPA has expanded support services. Over the past three years, the Fund has reopened and supported more than 35 safe spaces for women and girls. The Fund provides case management and multi-sectoral responses to gender-based violence. More than 120,000 personal and public hygiene kits were distributed, and more than 15 multi-purpose youth centers are currently operating throughout Palestine, including 11 centers designated for girls.

Mrs. Alami said: “These centers provide psychosocial support, education, and life skills, while promoting community participation and a sense of belonging.” She added that young people are not just beneficiaries, but rather “active partners” in designing and implementing initiatives.

Services include group sessions, psychological first aid, individual counselling, and a digital helpline known as the Youth Window, which provides free remote support to marginalized youth.

However, the challenges remain daunting. Displacement, limited resources, and harsh conditions – particularly in Gaza, where some safe centers operate in tents exposed to harsh weather conditions – continue to hamper operations.

Mrs. Alami pointed out that “Many families prioritize survival over mental health,” Emphasizing the need for integrated responses that link psychological and social support with food, health and education services.