Palestinian Youth and Future

As tensions between Israel and Palestine rise, citizens of both sides have suffered, especially Palestinians. Many people in Gaza and the West Bank experience poverty, job insecurity, and loss of water and education. These issues have the potential to set back families for years to come. It is important to recognize the need for more secure futures for Palestinian youth in terms of job security and education. Water supply has also fallen below W.H.O. standards, as Israel moves to control Palestinian water supply. It is imperative that Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza are given basic necessities that many take for granted.

Many Palestinians have a lack of access to healthcare, making the child mortality rate much higher than that of Israel. In 2019, the child mortality rate for Israel was 3.7 deaths per 1,000 live births while in Palestine at the same time, the child mortality rate was 19.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. As many has 30% of Palestinian children died before the age of 5.

Palestinian youth are also victims of war, as some are killed by Israeli soldiers. Many confrontations and raids of Israeli soldiers have resulted in the deaths of children. These attacks target public places like hospitals, schools and many child victims are left dead or disabled for life. Some children experience PTSD, flashbacks, and agoraphobia showing that not even the youth are spared from war.

In Gaza, the unemployment rate has shot up to 49%. At least 1 in 2 adolescents are able to work and scrape together enough money to survive. With the unemployment rate being so high Palestinian families fall into a state of poverty and youth are not able to receive proper education or opportunities.

Palestinians suffer from a lack of education as well. Children who live in refugee camps may not have access to a proper education. Only 70% of children attend primary school in Gaza. While the Palestinian population may have a high literacy rate, due to the occupation of Palestine, the education system is collapsing. Schools lack proper infrastructure and qualified teachers.

Finally, Palestinians lack access to water supplies. Without water, families can not stay hydrated and people cannot maintain proper hygiene. In Gaza, 95% of the water is unsuitable for human consumption. Consumption of non-potable water can result in diseases like hepatitis and diarrhea. With the absence of such a basic necessity, it has become increasingly difficult to live in Gaza.

In order to secure a bright future for Palestinians youth and families, it is important that we advocate for peace, donate to support suffering families, and to raise awareness about these injustices. No change can happen unless we work together to support this cause. Moving forward, I hope for a chance of peace in the future and understanding and with hard work, maybe it might become a reality.