Child Labour Surges in Gaza as Displaced Families Struggle with Poverty and War

Child Labour Surges in Gaza as Displaced Families Struggle with Poverty and War
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Child labour has become increasingly widespread in Gaza as displaced families facing extreme poverty and shortages of basic necessities rely on children to help provide food and water, according to reports.

Children as young as 11 are working long hours transporting water, selling goods, collecting recyclable materials, and carrying heavy supplies despite the physical and psychological risks. Many have abandoned education to support their families amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

According to the Global Education Cluster, more than 625,000 students in Gaza have been deprived of formal education for three consecutive years, following the destruction of around 85 percent of school buildings. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that more than 90 percent of families have fallen below the extreme poverty line, pushing many children into labour as a last resort.

Medical workers have warned of rising injuries among working children, including physical trauma caused by carrying heavy loads and working in dangerous environments filled with rubble and unexploded materials. Mental health experts also report that children forced into labour face severe stress and long-term psychological consequences.

Humanitarian officials say the loss of family breadwinners, destruction of infrastructure, and limited access to aid have contributed to the growing crisis. Gaza’s Ministry of Social Development said its ability to monitor and support vulnerable families has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict and lack of resources.

International humanitarian experts have called for stronger aid access and protection measures, warning that prolonged deprivation risks leaving an entire generation of children without education and exposed to long-term harm.