The world celebrates International Youth Day on August 12, a day declared by the United Nations in 1999 to empower the voices of young people and highlight their rights and aspirations towards peace and sustainable development. However, in the Gaza Strip, this day takes on a different meaning. Palestinian youth live under the harsh reality of genocide, siege, hunger, bombing, and constant psychological pressure from Israeli occupation forces, stripping them of their right to education and employment, and limiting their ability to dream of a secure and stable future.

Amid the ongoing forced displacement that has forced hundreds of thousands of youths and their families to leave their homes, these young people face grave challenges in securing shelter for their families and ensuring access to water and food to achieve food security. The crisis of famine and malnutrition has worsened tragically, exacerbated by the continued siege and limited humanitarian aid. Alongside this, the spread of diseases, coupled with a lack of sufficient healthcare services, has intensified their suffering. Many young people also suffer from amputations or permanent disabilities due to injuries sustained from bombing or live ammunition. Additionally, they are facing severe psychological crises as a result of losing loved ones and the absence of basic means of livelihood, increasing the challenges they face, which has significantly impacted their mental health and ability to contribute to the rebuilding of their community.

Since October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip has been subjected to an unprecedented brutal war. According to data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the number of martyrs has exceeded 60,000, with youth aged 15-29 accounting for about 24%, nearly 14,000 young men and women. Tens of thousands of civilians have been injured, including around 6,500 cases of amputations. The incidence of injuries is particularly high among the young age group (20-39 years), who represent the backbone of the economic workforce and social empowerment. Unemployment rates among youth have reached unprecedented levels, with 79.7% of youth now unemployed and without work, compounded by the devastating spread of famine, diseases, and malnutrition. Hundreds of martyrs fell while attempting to receive humanitarian aid.

Despite this enormous catastrophe, Gaza’s youth continue to prove that they are not just victims and statistics; they are drivers and creators of change. They have initiated educational spaces in refugee camps, organized community activities for various groups, and used digital media to amplify their voices and the voices of Palestinians to the world, demanding their rights to dignified living, national freedom, and a bright future that deserves to be lived.

In light of this, the Youth Sector of the Palestinian NGO Network issues the following demands:

1. The international community, UN agencies, and international organizations must bear responsibility and exert immediate pressure on the Israeli authorities to stop the genocide against Gaza.
2. We call on Palestinian official institutions, civil society organizations, and decision-makers to involve youth in shaping public policies that reflect their aspirations and dreams.
3. Work to ensure the inclusion of youth, including those injured, disabled, and unemployed, in national reconstruction plans.
4. Launch economic recovery programs and youth support funds, including vocational training and subsidized employment opportunities.
5. Involve youth in humanitarian decision-making through independent committees under the supervision of civil society organizations and NGOs.
6. Provide platforms and youth committees for voluntary work and community initiatives.
7. Develop mental health, social empowerment, and economic empowerment programs for youth.
8. Establish a national coalition to activate UNSC Resolution 2250, ensuring that youth are represented by at least 30% at all levels.
9. Create a national secretariat for coordination between youth, the government, and civil society to identify priorities and implement an effective youth empowerment model.

The Youth Sector of the Palestinian NGO Network affirms that the wounds of Gaza’s youth are the wounds of all humanity, and restoring human dignity requires urgent international action to stop the genocide, alongside genuine support for the rights and empowerment of Palestinian youth in various fields, based on their capabilities, skills, and energies, enabling them to be active partners in building a bright future for Palestinian society.