Africa Newsroom — Children in Gaza forced into labor, education at risk
Gaza Strip, Palestine — The ongoing conflict in Gaza has driven an alarming increase in child labor, with many children as young as eight years old being forced to work to support their families, according to reports. This situation is leading to the loss of their education and childhood, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
With schools damaged and education disrupted for over two years, child labor has surged in Gaza. Public spaces have become common workplaces for children, forced to abandon their innocence to contribute to their families’ survival. According to newarab.com, unemployment in Gaza has reached a staggering 79.1%, and the economy has contracted significantly, further pushing families into desperate measures.
Personal stories of children like Mahmoud Abu Awda, 11, and Yasmin Khader, 13, highlight the human cost of this crisis. Mahmoud, after losing his father in an airstrike, now sells goods to support his family. Yasmin, who once dreamed of becoming a doctor, gathers plastic scraps to sell after her father was killed. Abbas al-Ghazali, 13, sells water because his father can no longer receive cancer treatment due to the blockade and medicine shortages. Khaled Abu Hasira, 13, makes and sells hot drinks after his father was killed in an airstrike.
The psychological impact of this situation is profound. Children are exposed to dangerous conditions, trauma, and violence, increasing the risk of anxiety, behavioral challenges, and emotional distress. According to news.cn, the number of children under 18 in Gaza was estimated at over 1 million in mid-2024, making this issue a critical concern for the region’s future.
The broader context of the crisis in Gaza, with its high unemployment rate and struggling economy, underscores the urgency of addressing child labor. Reports indicate that these children face a future with limited opportunities, as their education and development are compromised by the need to work.
Source: newarab.com, chinadaily.com.cn, news.cn
