23% of Palestinian children have suicidal thoughts

Twenty-three per cent of Palestinians aged between 13-15 years old living in Gaza and West Bank have suicidal thoughts.

Children living in this crisis zone have also attempted suicide as they feel helpless living a life filled with hardship.

Palestinian National Authority Health Ministry Director of School Health Dr Walid El Khatib (pic) said the suicide percentage in Palestine is alarming and more effort must be taken to address this problem.

“This (23 per cent) percentage is very high compared to other school children in other countries. For example, the rate in neighbouring Jordan is only one to two per cent maximum,” he said.

He said children have suicidal thoughts because their mental resistance is weak.

"Their psychological immunity decreases when they are exposed to explosions or violent treatment of the Israeli soldiers. That is why many children suffer from depression, anxiety, sleeping and eating problem and they don't feel well.

"The political and economic crisis have left them feeling uncertain. Although suicide is strictly forbidden in Islam, but they see little hope in the future," he added.

Dr Walid said adults must fight this situation and there must be more effort put in to work with children.

"We need to teach them life skills education. They must know how to deal with difficult situations and learn how to make decisions. This will increase the psychological immunity of the children.”

Dr. Walid testified at the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission Hearing on Palestine which was organised by the Perdana Global Peace Foundation at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.