UNICEF sounds the alarm: 1.1 million children in Gaza are suffering from severe psychological trauma.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that 1.1 million children in the Gaza Strip are suffering from psychological and emotional trauma that is difficult to treat, as a result of the ongoing attacks that have become a terrifying part of their daily reality over the past 23 months. These traumas deeply affect their mental health and overall development.

In a press statement by the regional director of advocacy and communications at UNICEF, Ammar Ammar, the devastating impact of the conflict on the mental and physical health of children was highlighted. He pointed out that the continuous bombardment has not only resulted in deaths and injuries but has also caused severe damage to children's psychological development.

Ammar explained that children in Gaza are living in a terrifying reality, where serious violations have spread widely, and their deprivation of aid, hunger, forced displacement, and the destruction of hospitals, schools, and water networks have become a daily reality. This situation negatively impacts their mental health.

UNICEF also highlighted the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, where more than half a million people are suffering from starvation, leading to preventable deaths. Ammar confirmed that malnutrition among children is escalating at a catastrophic rate, with more than 12,000 children documented suffering from acute malnutrition in July alone.

Statistics indicate that one in four children suffers from severe acute malnutrition, the most lethal form that leaves devastating consequences in both the short and long term. These figures reflect the scale of the humanitarian disaster that children in the region are experiencing.

Ammar affirmed that UNICEF is striving to accelerate its relief activities in the region; however, its efforts face significant difficulties. The delivery of food supplies, medical aid, and basic needs is progressing very slowly due to the blockade imposed on the area, hindering humanitarian organizations' ability to respond to the escalating crisis.