The effect of the 50-day conflict in Gaza on children: a descriptive study

Abstract

Background The UN has estimated that the conflict in Gaza between July 8 and August 26, 2014, resulted in the deaths of 2204 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and permanent disabilities in thousands of people. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern and extent of effects on children from this attack. Methods We reviewed surveys and reports from governmental and international bodies (ministry of health and UN) and independent non-governmental organisations to compile statistics. Additionally, we reviewed the findings of 24 researchers who interviewed 430 eye witnesses of 144 Israeli attacks on civilian gatherings (houses, hospitals, schools, mosques, shops, and streets) in which at least two Palestinians were killed. We separated attacks that resulted in death of children (age <18 years). Each attack was categorised as being direct or indirect (direct attack means that bombing was intentional with no …