World Vision UK has released figures showing disturbingly high levels of trauma in Gaza’s children within the latest wave of violence as the fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian. More than 16% of children aged 5-15 in North Gaza suffer from nightmares, the majority of which are caused by fear. Almost 13% of children in the same age range wet the bed, with psychological problems, health issues and trauma also contributing to the causes.

The recent escalation of violence is unprecedented, compounding effect on civilians, particularly children, who suffer emotionally and physically as a result of the fighting. An untold number of children in Gaza and southern Israel live in fear as a result of the broken ceasefire.

World Vision UK’s head of emergency affairs, Ian Gray, said –

‘The reality is that this current violence is already compounding high levels of trauma in children, and one can only guess at the long-term effects of this. There’s the initial impact on children, which we’re already seeing – frequent bed-wetting, nightmares, and a heartbreaking loss of hope – but there’s also the long-term trauma that will devastate for years to come.  Children comprise more than half of the population of Gaza. The ongoing attacks will only worsen their situation. There needs to be an immediate cessation in fighting to protect children’s safety, integrity and dignity now – as well as their wellbeing into the future.’

The current bombardment comes at a time when the Gazan population is already severely afflicted, living in dire poverty. World Vision is calling on the European Union vigorously engage its efforts to bring about an immediate ceasefire. An end to the 18 month blockade of 1.5 million Palestinians, which has devastated the Gazan economy, and rendered its people to be entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance, is unacceptable.

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