Palestinian Youth in Gaza: Agents of Change and Humanitarian Action
Gaza Strip – Occupied Palestinian Territories – Youth play a vital role in humanitarian work and development worldwide. They form the majority of volunteers’ base, providing life-saving support to their communities every day. In Gaza, Palestinian youth exemplify leadership in humanitarian efforts and driving change, despite the dire conditions and repeated wars against Gaza including the ongoing war since October 2023. This war has had devastating consequences on Gaza’s health, environmental, educational, economic, and living conditions.
The war resulted in killing of At least 48,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, were killed. The number of women killed reached more than 12,000, and the number of children killed reached more than 17,000. The fragile ceasefire reached in January 2025 and subsequently collapsed in March 2025, did not provide an opportunity for Gaza’s population—including youth, women, and children—to recover from the war’s catastrophic impacts. In these circumstances, the engagement of young people in humanitarian work becomes more crucial than ever to enhance community resilience and drive positive changes toward development and reconstruction.
Since the beginning of the war, young people have been actively engaged in humanitarian response efforts through voluntary work and innovative initiatives, carried out under the most challenging wartime conditions including relentless bombardment and restrictions on humanitarian aid access.
Youth Leadership of Humanitarian Response on the Ground
One of these young changemakers is Norhan, who, like many other youths in Gaza, has been involved in humanitarian and community work since the beginning of the war. She joined the "Change Makers " group, established by ActionAid Palestine’s partner, the Palestinian Women Development Studies Association. This group was formed to provide youth with opportunities to build their skills, serve their community, and strengthen its resilience in response to natural and political crises.
Before the war, Norhan was already working through the "Change Makers " group to implement initiatives aimed at supporting women in her community by providing education and opportunities for self-improvement. However, when the war broke out and mass displacement from northern Gaza occurred, her efforts shifted to addressing the urgent needs of displaced people who found themselves in makeshift camps after losing their homes.
Norhan emphasizes the importance of being on the ground:
"We have always worked to benefit our community, but the war presented even greater challenges. It was crucial for us to be in the field, helping those most affected—especially women and children, who suffered the most."
She and her team distributed food parcels and essential supplies to displaced communities. They also collaborated with organizations such as the Palestinian Women Development Studies Association to provide psychological and social support—one of the most urgent needs during the war’s devastating months.
Continuing Humanitarian Action Despite War and Aid Restrictions
Even under the harshest conditions, Norhan and her team continued their humanitarian work during both the war and the temporary ceasefire in January 2025. This period was marked by continued violations, aid restrictions, border closures, rising prices, and food shortages. The challenges intensified daily. However, Norhan and her fellow volunteers in the "Change Makers " group remained unwavering in their commitment to providing assistance to affected communities.
"After the ceasefire, needs continued to grow while resources dwindled, but we were determined to provide support, even if it is simple " Norhan explains.
Placing Youth at center Decision -making Processes of Humanitarian Action
Norhan strongly believes in the role of youth in driving change:
"Young people are the driving force behind transformation in any society. Their role should not be limited to emergency response alone; they must also have a voice in decision-making. Youth bring fresh energy and innovative ideas, and they are best positioned to understand community needs and respond effectively to challenges. Including them in decision-making processes is essential for ensuring sustainable change."
Humanitarian Action as a Pathway to Social Change
Participation in humanitarian and community efforts is essential for fostering meaningful change. Norhan reflects:
"Humanitarian action is the only way to create positive change in these harsh circumstances. What we do today is an investment in the future. Every effort we make contributes to building a better tomorrow for the people of Gaza."
About ActionAid International
ActionAid International is a global federation working with over 41 million people living in more than 72 of the world's poorest countries. We envision a world characterized by justice and sustainability, where every individual has the right to a dignified life and freedom, and a world free from poverty and oppression. We strive to achieve social justice, gender equality, and eradicate poverty.
ActionAid Palestine began its work in Palestine in 2007 to strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people, believing in their right to enjoy freedom, justice, and self-determination. ActionAid Palestine implements several programs through its engagement with Palestinian communities and youth and women’s groups, aiming to empower women and youth and enhance their active civil and political participation to understand their rights and undertake collective action to address the rights violations resulting from the prolonged occupation, in addition to improving their leadership capacity and practicing their citizenship in holding authorities and other duty bearers accountable.
For more information, please contact:
Riham Jafari
Communication and Advocacy Officer at ActionAid Palestine
Mobile: +972 595242890
Email: Riham.Jafari@actionaid.org