Palestinian Conflict

The continuing conflict in Palestine is having a particularly damaging affect on young people. Because of violent outbreaks between different factions, children and teenagers live in constant fear and do not have the opportunities that many young people in the UK have, including the rights to education and healthcare. Last year, eighty-six 13-17 year olds were killed in the ongoing conflict and at least twenty children have died this year as a result of the fighting.

Day-to day life

As well as causing fatalities, violent clashes have a significant impact on day-to-day life in Palestine :

• Families have been blockaded in their homes, so are unable to leave their houses
• High-rise apartment buildings have been set on fire
• Many shops and supermarkets are closed making it increasingly difficult for people to purchase essentials such as food and water
• Schools and internet cafes have come under attack, making it very unsafe for children and young people
• A separation barrier has been created in the region which restricts the movement of people and goods such as food and healthcare items
• People working in social services, like health and education, are not always getting paid so are striking which results in health clinics and schools being shut down
• In May, immunization services and classes were suspended across most of the region and supplies of essential healthcare drugs remain at very low levels
• Schools and youth centres now only have the very basic learning materials
• In Gaza , 8 out of 10 families cannot meet their daily food needs without help

Glossary

Faction – a group of people within a larger group who share similar views and opinions.

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