ICSPR Issues Fact Sheet Revealing the Dire Reality of Youth in Gaza Since the Start of the Israeli Aggression
Date: August 13, 2025
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ICSPR Issues Fact Sheet Revealing the Dire Reality of Youth in Gaza Since the Start of the Israeli Aggression
The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) has issued a new fact sheet, prepared by researcher Alaa Ramzi Dawood, presenting figures and analysis that reveal the unprecedented suffering experienced by youth in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the Israeli aggression on October 7, 2023. The report documents the catastrophic impact on their lives and future amid an all-encompassing humanitarian crisis that worsens by the day.
A Generation Targeted with Physical and Psychological Death
The fact sheet indicates that youth, who make up more than one-third of Gaza’s population, are facing a combination of direct killing through bombardment and siege, and a slow death due to the loss of education, economic collapse, food insecurity, and worsening psychological crises. It stresses that the future reconstruction of Gaza and revival of Palestinian society is directly tied to empowering this generation and reintegrating them into economic and social life.
Unprecedented Human Losses
According to documented data, since the start of the aggression there have been 61,158 Palestinian fatalities and 151,442 injuries, including 18,430 children (31%) and 9,735 women (16%), while men constitute 46% of the victims. The report warns of a severe demographic imbalance threatening social stability due to the sharp decline in the young and productive population.
Collapse of the Educational System
The fact sheet reveals that around 88,000 students have been deprived of attending their universities, while 39,000 high school students could not sit for the 2025 General Secondary Examination. Additionally, 64 attacks on schools have been recorded, and 91.8% of school buildings (518 out of 564) have been severely damaged or completely destroyed. This puts Gaza’s youth at serious risk of educational loss and deprives them of essential developmental opportunities.
Record Unemployment and Economic Marginalization
Youth unemployment in Gaza reached 80% in 2024, with 74% of the 15–29 age group disconnected from education, employment, or training. Heavy reliance on the informal labor sector, especially in the West Bank, deprives youth of social protection and deepens their economic vulnerability.
Food and Health Catastrophe
The report notes that 1,655 people have died while attempting to access food aid, and more than 11,800 others have been injured. Meanwhile, 39% of Gaza’s population suffers from prolonged periods without food, and 193 deaths from malnutrition were recorded as of August 6, 2025, including children and women. ICSPR warns that these indicators point to a long-term humanitarian disaster threatening the physical and cognitive development of the younger generation.
Severe Psychological and Social Impact
The fact sheet highlights alarming increases in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder among youth, resulting from collective trauma, the loss of loved ones, and the interruption of education and work. This situation calls for urgent intervention through comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support programs.
Grave Violations of International Law
ICSPR emphasizes that the targeting of homes and schools, and the killing of civilians while attempting to obtain aid, constitute blatant violations of international humanitarian law. The organization calls for the activation of accountability mechanisms and the opening of safe humanitarian corridors.
ICSPR Calls for:
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An immediate and comprehensive cessation of attacks on civilians, educational infrastructure, and relief centers.
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The opening of safe humanitarian corridors and removal of obstacles to the delivery of aid.
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Implementation of emergency education programs and creation of safe learning spaces.
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Provision of wide-scale mental health and psychosocial support for youth and affected families.
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Creation of temporary job opportunities and vocational training programs to reintegrate youth into economic life.
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Involvement of youth in reconstruction projects, alongside support for technical and vocational education.
Conclusion
ICSPR warns that ignoring the current crisis will lead to the loss of an entire generation, threatening not only Gaza’s present but also the future of the Palestinian cause as a whole. The Commission urges the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities toward protecting civilians and ending their suffering.
