Palestine Israel conflict

The world watches while the population of Gaza – nearly half of which are children – endure an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. Starvation and disease are rampant due to the lack of food and aid. Bombs continue to fall, destroying homes and killing and injuring civilians. Children and young people are among the most exposed to violence, deprivation, and inequalities in this war. This is even more true for children without, or at risk of losing, parental care. Thousands of children have been killed, and tens of thousands have lost one or both parents. In addition to their own trauma, they feel the struggles and fears of the adults caring for them and their loved ones. The human, humanitarian and psychological consequences on all children and families from Gaza will be substantial and long-lasting.

Call to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

"The ongoing situation in Palestine has created immense challenges for our families and children. The impact on children, in particular, is profound. Daily struggles for basic needs, exposure to violence, and the constant threat to their sense of security shape their daily lives."

- an expert at SOS Children's Villages in Palestine

SOS Children’s Villages joins the calls for an immediate ceasefire. We also call 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.

Read our position statement

OUR RESPONSE

SOS Children’s Villages is on the ground in the Gaza Strip deploying urgent support where it is needed most. Our SOS Children’s Village in Rafah, in southern Gaza, is accommodating unaccompanied and separated children who have lost parental care due to the war. Additionally, SOS Children’s Villages provides: Direct humanitarian support to the most affected families and separated children to avoid further family separation

Direct humanitarian support to the most affected families to avoid further family separation
Emergency care services for unaccompanied or separated children, including identification, registration, and placement in safe and nurturing environments
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), particularly for children and caregivers, to help them cope with trauma and emotional distress
Financial support to families facing difficulties, including female-headed households and youth

Support children and families affected by the conflict