Providing psychological relief to 8,200 children and their families in Gaza, thanks to donations from the Czech people

Over 658,000* school-aged children in Gaza have no access to schooling, reports UN OCHA. According to UNICEF, over a million children need mental health and psychosocial support. The lack of mental health and psychosocial support services, especially in overcrowded shelters, leaves children vulnerable to severe anxiety, depression, and stress. The absence of adequate facilities further hinders efforts to address these pressing needs.

Since the beginning of 2024, together with War Child, we have been providing psychological assistence to children and their families. As of September 2024, we have helped 7,544 children and family members. This support was possible thanks to our Club of Friends and the SOS Gaza Emergency Appeal. During the second half of the year, we were able to help 8,259 children and their parents. In total, together with War Child, we supported 15,803 children and family members in 2024.

Invisible scars of war

In response to the difficult psychosocial conditions facing vulnerable children in shelters and temporary housing in central Gaza, the efforts of the local War Child team have had two main outcomes: the creation of 17 spaces to promote continuous learning and the organisation of 34 open days through community-led learning projects. These initiatives offer psychological aid, stress management, and a sense of normalcy for children affected by conflict and provide brief relief amid ongoing trauma.

“In December 2024, I travelled to Gaza. What I witnessed was utter devastation from more than a year of war. But I was also privileged to witness the dedication of War Child’s team and our local partner staff. Despite impossible circumstances including their own displacement, widespread destruction and very real danger, they are doing everything they can to ensure that children are supported and that their traumas can begin to be addressed,” says Kieran King, War Child's Head of Humanitarian.

Our support (September - December 2024) in figures:

• In total, we have supported 8,259 people (7,301 children and 958 adults)

• Family-focused Psychological First Aid sessions provided emotional and psychological support, fostering calm and connectedness amidst the crisis to 2,574 family members (including 104 individuals with disabilities).

• Recreational activities organised by specialised entertainment crews helped 6,210 children navigate the emotional and social challenges caused by displacement and trauma.

Thousands of children—including children with disabilities—and their families joined recreational activities through open days. Experienced facilitators organised group activities and competitive games accompanied by music. "Today, I am so happy because you let us play and join in events and activities that bring us joy; also, you gave us biscuits and juice, which made it even better," says I. A., a child from Gaza who joined the recreational activities.

A clown performance and story-based and theatrical sketches emphasised the importance of practices such as, supporting emotional well-being, highlighting the value of education, reinforcing respect for parents, and promoting respect among peers. "Today, I am so happy and full of joy! I played with the teddy bear and the clown, and I was thrilled to have my face painted," says I. H., a child from Gaza.

Additionally, circus activities and balancing games stimulated children’s brain activity and enhanced cognitive functions and dabkka dancing and traditional shows brought joy and happiness by creating a festive atmosphere.

“You helped me to reconnect with my children”

During Psychological First Aid, 12 facilitators organised into six teams provided 525 families with three sessions that focused on understanding stress and its impact on mental health, equipping parents with tools to support their children effectively and highlighting how play can foster emotional well-being.

"With all the psychological pressures we face, I forgot my children’s need to play. Their lives have become consumed by struggles like fetching water or coping with shelter conditions. You reminded me of the importance of my children and helped me reconnect with them," says Ahmed, who participated in Psychological First Aid sessions.

The sessions incorporated interactive activities and games to alleviate stress and provide psychosocial support. Families were equipped with practical tools and activities they could use at home to foster self-care and strengthen bonds with their children.

"I didn’t pay much attention to talking to or playing with my children because the war and its pressures consumed me. Through you, I learned how much I need my children. Spending time with them has improved my psychological state. I will continue to play with them and share this experience with my sisters," says Suhad.

Humanitarian situation in Gaza

• Since 7 October 2023 and as of 17 March 2025, the UN OCHA reported the killing of at least 48,577 Palestinians and the injury of 112,041 others

• Over 90% of the population has been projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity

• 436,000 of housing units (92%) have been destroyed (160,000) or severely/partially damaged (276,000)

• 20 out of 35 hospitals in Gaza are only partially functional

SOS Gaza Emergency Appeal and further support

We began providing aid for the people of Gaza in December 2023, when we donated €100,000 to War Child. This international organisation helps children living in war conflicts around the world. Last year, we increased our support with an additional €75,000.

In April 2024, we launched the SOS Gaza Emergency Appeal. To date, the appeal has raised €120,000, and we plan to continue with fundraising.

“Despite the current global funding uncertainties, we are exploring options to expand our programmes in Gaza. We would like to focus particularly on children, their psychological well-being and access to education,” says Marek Štys, Head of Emergency Programmes at People in Need.

The halt of humanitarian aid will have devastating consequences

On 2 March, Israeli authorities announced a halt to all humanitarian aid entering Gaza, jeopardising the progress made in delivering much-needed critical assistance since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January.

This decision will have determinental consequences for the millions in Gaza already facing extreme hunger. They will once again be deprived of life-saving items like food, water and medical assistance. We urgently call for the immediate restoration of humanitarian access as outlined under International Humanitarian Law.

* Numbers may vary according to different sources due to lack of access and different methodologies.