WHO says Gaza children face long recovery despite ceasefire calm

The World Health Organization has cautioned that children in Gaza face a prolonged recovery process from the psychological trauma and physical injuries sustained during two years of intense war, despite the temporary calm brought by the current ceasefire. Marking World Children's Day, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that while the pause in hostilities provides essential breathing space, the deep-seated effects of violence will require extensive healing time.

Temporary Respite and Lasting Trauma

Tedros acknowledged that the "fragile ceasefire has given children a chance to breathe, connect, play and even start to heal," offering what he described as "moments of quiet" for children who have endured bombardment, displacement, and personal loss. However, he stressed that "trauma, injury, grief, and shattered childhoods will take far longer to heal," noting that the emotional and physical scars remain severe even as active hostilities have subsided.

Healthcare System Challenges

The extensive damage to Gaza's health infrastructure continues to significantly hinder recovery efforts for the territory's pediatric population. WHO teams are currently working on the ground to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the health system while simultaneously expanding mental health services specifically designed for children. Many young Gazans have witnessed repeated cycles of violence throughout their lives, creating complex psychological needs that require specialized care.

Call for Lasting Peace

On World Children's Day, the WHO director-general urged full respect for the current ceasefire and called for diplomatic efforts that would lead to "lasting peace" to ensure the safety and well-being of Gaza's youngest generation. The organization emphasized that without sustained peace and substantial investment in both physical and mental healthcare infrastructure, the developmental impacts on Gaza's children could persist for generations.