‘No end in sight’: Gaza’s traumatised children need psychological aid: Analysis

Psychologist Mohamed Abushawish is providing early psychological assistance to children seeking refuge in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza Strip. Amidst Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza, Abushawish organizes activities for the children in the hospital’s hallways and open spaces.

The number of families seeking shelter in the hospital has increased, especially after the Israeli authorities ordered residents of Gaza City to relocate to the southern side of the Strip. About 300 families have sought refuge in the hospital since the war began.

The children timidly join the activities organized by Abushawish, who invites them to participate. Ten-year-old Hamsa Irshi, who lost her family members in an Israeli air raid on her uncle’s house, bravely shares her story. Her mother sustained minor injuries, but they were rescued from beneath the rubble. Unfortunately, her three uncles and their families did not survive the bombing.

Despite the shock of the war, Hamsa actively takes part in the mental support activities, expressing her desire for the war to end and her constant fear for her safety.

Another child, 12-year-old Malak Khatab, who normally lives in the Deir el-Balah camp, shares her delight in participating in activities that uplift their spirits. She recounts a terrifying night when their neighbor’s house was bombed, causing debris to fall on their home. They were trapped under the rubble until civil defense teams rescued them.

The Khatab family’s home suffered extensive damage, leading them to seek refuge at the hospital. They now sleep on the ground as there are no more beds available.

In the hospital yard, 12-year-old Anas al-Mansi appears disinterested in the activities around him. He shares his lack of desire to do anything, revealing the tragic loss of his father and aunt in an air attack on their home. Anas recalls his father’s final words before the explosion. He and his family were trapped under the debris but were eventually rescued.

Anas has severe injuries on his back, his brother is unable to walk, and his mother is still hospitalized. While Anas wishes for the war to end, he believes there is no life to return to.

Psychologist Abushawish emphasizes the hospital’s commitment to supporting these children, recognizing their psychological toll due to the loss of family members, displacement, and sheltering at the hospital. The children are experiencing physical and psychological symptoms such as abdominal pain, headaches, and rapid heartbeats as a result of the trauma. Many are exhibiting signs of post-traumatic stress.

Abushawish highlights the importance of therapeutic activities as initial psychological aid and intervention to help the children cope with the ongoing conflict.

In conclusion, while this article focuses on the experiences of children seeking refuge in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, it lacks citations and direct quotes from sources who aren’t affiliated with the hospital. The information presented relies heavily on the statements made by the psychologist, Mohamed Abushawish. Additionally, there is no mention of efforts or quotes from Israeli authorities or the Israeli military, potentially providing a one-sided view of the conflict. Despite this, the emotional impact of the children’s stories and the depiction of the ongoing trauma in Gaza can still raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict. It is important for readers to consider multiple perspectives and additional sources to gain a more nuanced understanding of the situation. The prevalence of fake news and biases within the political landscape can influence the public’s perception of the information, potentially reinforcing existing beliefs or creating further divisions.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/20/no-end-in-sight-gazas-traumatised-children-need-psychological-aid