The Psychological Toll on Gaza's Children
The Impact of War on Children
In Gaza, the consequences of war are severe. The destruction is not just physical. There is a deep emotional and psychological impact, especially on children. They are the most vulnerable victims. Their lives have been disrupted by relentless bombing and conflict. The trauma they experience is profound. It cannot always be measured with numbers.
Daily Realities of Trauma
Ibrahim is an emergency protection officer with War Child in Gaza. He shares what children face daily. Many symptoms arise from their trauma. Children become overly attached to their parents. They may not want to leave familiar places, like a tent. Severe anxiety and fear are common. Some children experience involuntary urination. Others may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. Sleep becomes elusive, and they struggle to eat. In extreme cases, a child may become catatonic. They can’t speak or connect with family due to their suffering. Symptoms manifest in various ways, including speech issues, stuttering, withdrawal, aggression, and intense fear.
Visible Distress in Shelters
The emotional scars on Gaza’s children are evident. This is clear in the shelters, camps, and cities where they live. War Child has observed the suffering of these children firsthand. Ibrahim and his colleagues work hard to provide immediate relief. They do this even as resources remain scarce. Danger is always present.
Heartbreaking Stories of Silence
Mohammed, another emergency response officer, shares a haunting case. He tells of a six-year-old boy who is mute due to trauma. The child cannot express himself verbally. He communicates through drawings instead. Panic and fear have silenced him, isolating him from the world.
The situation worsens for children who have lost their parents in the bombings. This loss leaves them orphaned and vulnerable to further dangers. UNICEF reports that around 17,000 children in Gaza are now unaccompanied or separated from their families. Ibrahim remembers three children found on the street in the early hours during the chaos of war. They were alone, facing threats from the environment around them. The search for their families continues as these children grapple with immense loss and fear.
Support Services for Mental Health
In response to trauma, War Child offers emergency services. These services support the mental health and well-being of children in Gaza. They provide group therapy and individual counseling. Activities such as art, games, and music are also included. These activities help children express their emotions and begin healing. War Child also assists caregivers, mainly mothers, in supporting their children. Temporary learning spaces are set up for education when schools are destroyed. Despite the challenges, War Child strives to meet both educational and mental health needs.
Addressing Basic Needs
The charity understands the importance of addressing basic needs. Mohammed emphasizes that psychological support cannot be effective if children are hungry or cold. War Child provides food, clean water, shelter, warm clothing, hygiene kits, and sanitary products. These are all essential for the survival of children in Gaza.
Difficult Living Conditions
Mohanad, another emergency project officer, describes the harsh reality in Gaza. Two million people live crowded into just 20% of the region’s land. The conditions are dire, especially with winter approaching. Most families live in tents and face enormous financial difficulties. With 80% of Gaza’s hospitals destroyed, accessing medical care has become increasingly difficult. Mohanad states that the situation can hardly be expressed in words. He notes that there is no safe place in Gaza.
Reaching Out to Children and Families
War Child reaches over 116,600 children and extends support to more than 180,000 people. They aim to expand their emergency response in upcoming years. The goal is to assist over one million children in Gaza and the West Bank with needs for protection, education, and mental health. This effort is part of a three-year plan addressing one of the most challenging humanitarian crises.
The Struggles of Women and Children
Nida, an emergency technical assistant, emphasizes the dire psychological impact on women and children. Without the services provided, many would face severe mental health issues. Many children suffer from malnutrition and lack access to food. Women face immense pressure while trying to care for their children. Many are forced to cook using wood fires due to a lack of gas and electricity. Humanitarian workers face constant challenges, including closed checkpoints and fuel shortages.
Increasing Threats to Humanitarian Aid
The situation has worsened with recent political developments. The Israeli government plans to ban the UN agency UNRWA from operating in Gaza starting January 2025. This decision will greatly affect the vulnerable population of Gaza. It adds to the suffering and highlights the need for organizations like War Child.
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