Gaza’s children: Theirworld report calls for urgent, unified action
Theirworld has called for the establishment of an early childhood development coalition to champion the early years in Gaza.
In a new report, the charity says a unified alliance of international, regional and local organisations is needed to shape and coordinate an urgent and comprehensive response plan in the wake of the conflict that began in 2023.
It highlights how the early childhood development (ECD) crisis has reached a catastrophic tipping point that threatens the survival and future of Gaza’s most vulnerable population – pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five.
The report – written by Maysa Jalbout, Theirworld Senior Advisor for Education in Emergencies – says: “The war in Gaza has been catastrophic for its youngest children. Their immediate physical, emotional and cognitive development is under threat, and their long-term futures are at grave risk.”
Essential healthcare, nutrition, education and safety systems in Gaza have collapsed since the start of the conflict. This has left more than 570,000 people – more than 25% of Gaza’s population – facing severe ECD-related challenges.
Theirworld’s report, Early Childhood Development in Gaza: A Blueprint and Urgent Call for Action, details a blueprint for action, facilitating resource mobilisation with partners and outlining 20 focus areas for interventions across healthcare, nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and early learning.
The plan calls for critical ECD services to be introduced as early as possible, starting with coordinated ECD delivery hubs for children and caregivers across the region.
The recovery phase, spanning two to five years, should then focus on restoring essential ECD services and laying the foundations for sustainable recovery by rebuilding health systems, education and psychosocial support.
The report says: “The global community must act swiftly. We call on stakeholders to join the ECD Coalition, mobilise resources to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery, and advocate for global political support to prioritise the needs of Gaza’s children.
“The consequences of inaction will be severe and long-lasting. Gaza’s children cannot wait, and the world cannot afford to ignore their plight. Now is the time for collective action to ensure that every child in Gaza has the chance to survive, heal, and thrive. The future of Gaza’s children depends on it.”