The escalation of conflict in Palestine and Israel has already led to the loss of thousands of lives. Thousands of people are injured and hundreds of thousands of families displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. Children and young people are among the most exposed to violence, deprivation, and inequalities stemming from conflict. In addition to their own trauma, they feel the struggles and fears of the adults caring for them and their loved ones. This is even more true for children without, or at risk of losing, parental care. The human, humanitarian and psychological consequences on all children and their families will be substantial and long-lasting. Continued fighting and targeting of civilian infrastructure, including healthcare and educational facilities, shelters and power supply networks, violate human rights.

SOS Children’s Villages calls on all parties to the conflict to take immediate steps to protect children and respect international human rights and International Humanitarian Law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Call to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza