The United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, UNFPA, has highlighted alarming statistics regarding the escalating crisis in Palestine, particularly concerning children and adolescents.
Sima Alami, adolescent and youth programme officer at UNFPA, stated that “more than one million children in Gaza” require mental health and psychosocial support services, underscoring the immense scale of trauma.
According to UNFPA data presented by Ms. Alami, a staggering 96% of children in Gaza believe death is imminent. This profound fear and daily trauma are reflected in the psychological toll on adolescents and youth. Data indicates that 61% suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 38% from depression, and 41% from anxiety. Alarmingly, one in five adults are contemplating suicide almost daily, which Ms. Alami described as “a widespread mental health emergency.”
Girls Bear Heightened Risks Amidst Crisis
Girls are identified as particularly vulnerable within this deepening crisis. In Gaza, child marriage rates have seen a sharp resurgence, reversing previous declines. Rates had fallen from 25.5% in 2009 to 11% in 2022, but are now rising as families grapple with survival. A recent UNFPA study revealed that 71% of respondents in Gaza reported increased pressure to marry off girls under 18. In a limited monitoring period, over 400 marriage licenses were issued for girls aged 14 to 16 in emergency courts, though figures are likely underestimated.
Ms. Alami explained that “some families see marriage as a survival strategy amid displacement, poverty and insecurity.” Others believe it offers protection in overcrowded shelters or alleviates economic hardship following the collapse of livelihoods.
Child Marriage Leads to Severe Consequences for Girls
The consequences of early marriage are severe. In 2025, approximately 10% of newly registered pregnancies in Gaza were among adolescent girls, a significant increase from pre-war levels. Access to healthcare has also drastically diminished, with only 15% of health facilities in Gaza capable of providing emergency obstetric and neonatal services, heightening risks for young mothers and their newborns.
Child marriage exposes girls to violence. Ms. Alami noted that “some evidence suggests that 63% of girls married at a young age have experienced physical, psychological or sexual violence.” Reports also indicate rising divorce rates and widespread severe psychological distress among married minors. In the most extreme cases, these consequences are life-threatening, with “more than 100 suicides or attempted suicides documented among survivors of violence,” Ms. Alami stated, emphasizing that child marriage is a form of gender-based violence.
West Bank Faces Persistent Insecurity
While Gaza is the epicenter of the crisis, conditions in the West Bank are also deteriorating. Escalating violence, military operations, and settler attacks have led to displacement, particularly in refugee camps. Movement restrictions and checkpoint closures have disrupted daily life, forcing many schools to close. Children and young people experience constant stress due to fear of raids, movement restrictions, and uncertainty regarding livelihoods and access to services, leading to chronic anxiety and a persistent sense of insecurity, as described by Ms. Alami. These pressures can have long-term effects on behavior and mental health into adulthood, with some young people considering leaving Palestine.
Safe Spaces Provide Crucial Support
In response to these challenges, UNFPA has expanded its support services. Over the past three years, the agency has reopened and supported over 35 safe spaces for women and girls, offering case management and multi-sectoral responses to gender-based violence. More than 120,000 dignity and hygiene kits have been distributed, and over 15 multi-purpose youth centers are operational across Palestine, with 11 specifically dedicated to girls.
Ms. Alami highlighted that “these spaces provide psychosocial support, education and life skills while promoting community engagement and a sense of belonging.” She added that youth are active partners in designing and implementing these initiatives. Services include group sessions, psychological first aid, individual counseling, and a digital helpline called the “Youth Window,” offering free remote support to marginalized young people. Despite these efforts, significant challenges persist, including displacement, limited resources, and harsh conditions, particularly in Gaza where some safe spaces operate in tents exposed to extreme weather. Ms. Alami noted that “many families prioritise survival over mental health,” emphasizing the critical need for integrated responses that link psychosocial support with essential services like food, health, and education.
