Today, November 29th, is the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Established in 1977, it provides an opportunity for the international community to focus its attention on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved.

Palestine has been in the news a lot recently. The focus has been on the narrow strip of land that is Gaza, one year and one month after the Israeli invasion on October 27th 2023, which followed the Hamas-led attacks on Israel two weeks previously.

Most of the rhythms of ordinary life have been suspended for its estimated 2.2 million inhabitants.  The Gaza Health Ministry reported around 38000 people had been killed by June 2024: the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) updates the death toll twice weekly; and the Lancet reports that accurate counting is difficult, but important.

No-one really knows what is happening in Gaza. Israeli authorities have not allowed the foreign press inside the occupied territory, apart from via short media trips embedded with the military. Humanitarian assistance has been made difficult to the point of being entirely suspended.

But research can – and does – take place under these most fragile and contested circumstances. While challenging, it is important that it does so, and that the evidence is communicated effectively to reach a wide audience. In the context of an independent media blackout, this is essential to surface the true stories of the impact of war on ordinary people.

Adolescents impacted by war

A report published by the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) programme today to coincide with the UN day reveals shocking details about the impact of the ongoing war in Gaza on its young people.  GAGE is the largest global study on adolescents, following 20,000 girls and boys in developing countries over a decade (2016-2026) to understand what works to enhance adolescent capabilities and empowerment. In its eighth year, the programme has generated important insights into the enabling environment for young girls and boys, including in Palestine.

The report—synthesizing survey research with 1000 young people aged 10-24 years undertaken in August and September 2024 across the Gaza Strip—reveals that since October 2023, 98% of young people in Gaza have been displaced multiple times, with many living in shelters, on the streets, or with relatives. Living conditions are dire, with limited access to electricity, water, and basic utilities. ​The war has severely impacted their mental health, with high levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. ​ Nearly 61% displayed signs of moderate to severe anxiety, and 58% showed signs of moderate to severe depression. ​ Many young people reported feeling fearful, sad, and hopeless. ​

Access to healthcare has been severely limited, with many young people unable to receive necessary medical care. ​ Water insecurity is high, with 87% of households categorized as highly water insecure. ​ Food insecurity is also a major issue, with 51% of participants experiencing high levels of food insecurity. ​

“This research reveals shocking findings on many levels,” says Nader Abu Amsha, Executive Director of the Central Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches. “The ongoing genocidal war on Gaza has made hunger a predictable crisis. But learning that more than 62% of young people have experienced hunger is deeply alarming and possibly unprecedented.”

The war has disrupted education for nearly all young people in Gaza. ​ Only 5% have participated in educational activities since the war began, and many face challenges such as lack of educational facilities, psychological stress, and lack of internet access. ​The economy has been devastated: 90% of respondents reported a decrease in family income and young people are struggling to find work and support their families. ​

“It is crucially important to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and to allow people to return to their own homes,” says Dr Bassam Abu Hamad, GAGE Associate Director for MENA and Professor, Faculty of Public Health, Al Quds University.

The ethics of research and innovation

Doing research in conflict and fragile settings is tricky and often provides unique ethical challenges. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has published a Humanitarian Research Toolkit to provide practical assistance for this challenging task. The toolkit is part of their Airbel Impact Lab which employs a team of researchers, designers, behavioural scientists and analysts working with technical experts, frontline staff and partners to find high impact and scalable products and services in more than 30 crisis-affected countries around the world.

Innovating in the same settings adds an extra layer of complexity and risk – both for those catalysing and encouraging the innovations but more especially and profoundly for the people being encouraged to innovate. Ethics for Humanitarian Innovation, a toolkit published by ELHRA and written by the Humanitarian Health Ethics Research Group is a useful asset in this space. It is not a substitute for a robust ethical strategy and is not intended to replace the academic ethical approval process, but it is a useful aid.

Ethics specifically around research engagement and uptake (close to the hearts of our R2A audiences) has a distinct focus: useful resources can be found here.