Demography of Palestinian children

Palestine is a young society, children comprising the majority. In its June 2007 annual report, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said 2.1 million are under age 18, representing 52.2% of the West Bank and Gaza, distributed as follows:

-- 17% below age five;

-- 15.4% from five - nine;

-- 13% from 10 - 14; and

-- 6.8% from 15 - 17.

They're Palestine's future, their development and regeneration hope for liberation, pursued courageously until achieved, but at a huge price.

From September 29, 2000 - December 31, 2008, children witnessed around 5,900 killings, over 35,000 injured, about 7,500 of their parents and relatives imprisoned, and the destruction of nearly 78,000 buildings through April 30, 2007.

A British study found that Palestinian children during the Intifada displayed higher political awareness levels. They know names of destroyed villages, especially where their parents were born, are knowledgeable about the conflict, and show commitment to resist it.

A separate report on Lebanese refugee children reveals extreme hardships under poor conditions in crowded homes without clean water, air, electricity, playgrounds, or job opportunities for their parents. In addition, children under age three experience a high rate of birth defects and respiratory diseases. In northern Lebanon, it's 44.5%. Yet their Lebanese Baccalaureate passing rate is 73.9%, showing a commitment to achieve.