UNICEF’s James Elder said trauma weighs heavily on Palestinian children, and education is fundamentally critical in the effort to rebuild Gaza.
The United Nations Children’s Fund spokesperson, who has been to Gaza several times since 2023, said driving through the enclave yesterday was heartening, as children were joyous and wearing “wall-to-wall smiles.” But he said the impact of war will likely be visible for many years to come.
Speaking of the famine experienced in Gaza, Elder said that “malnourished children end up, quite frequently, being stunted. That has a cognitive decline.”
“So we are looking at irreversible damage if this doesn’t stop,” he added.
The spokesperson said that the immune systems of the children have been severely compromised, describing the youngsters as “shattered.” He added that a third of all births in the first half of this year were to malnourished babies, or babies who went straight into incubators.
A girl cries as she stands above debris near a house that was hit during Israeli strikes in Khan Younis in April.Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images
“The level of trauma, which is unprecedented, we can’t even start to treat the post-traumatic stress disorder in children because it’s being intersected — there is no ‘post’ yet, it’s day-to-day trauma — that has to start with the classroom,” Elder said.
While missed education is bound to affect each child, Elder stressed that the role education can play in the restoration of Gaza is crucial in elevating the quality of life for the entire population. He said, “If Gaza is to rebuild, if Palestinians are to take agency again, education is that bedrock.”
UNICEF spokesperson warns of “irreversible damage” of trauma on Gaza’s children Egypt Independent.
Hence then, the article about unicef spokesperson warns of irreversible damage of trauma on gaza s children was published today ( ) and is available on EGYPT INDEPENDENT ( Egypt ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( UNICEF spokesperson warns of “irreversible damage” of trauma on Gaza’s children )
Also on site :
- Tornado warning issued, and quickly cancelled, over Alhambra
- Governor Hochul: Annual statewide donation drive is complete
- Skier dies in collision with tree at Colorado’s Aspen Mountain, resort officials confirm