Psychological Nightmare of Israeli War Chases Gaza Children

Gaza- Basma M. Al-Kashif

"Mum.. Mum.. it is a disquieting nightmare", Thus Gaza children were shouting when they wake up every morning since the fierce Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, which launched two years ago and left psychiatric disorders and behavioral problems on Gaza children. That nightmares chase the children of Gaza, who are still suffering from psychiatric and behavioral disorders in the Gaza Strip, that has been shown in a study issued by El Wedad Society for Community Rehabilitation.

Whereas, the most important results which shown by the study that children in the Gaza Strip were suffering from behavioral problems, which have increased more and more among children.

It also showed that the female children have been affected to traumatic experience and psychical stress more than males.

The study indicated that children between the ages of (10-13) years are the most vulnerable ages for traumatic experience and stress, and children who live in villages are more children affected by stress and post-traumatic events.

Treatment of psychological problems…
Regarding the study's recommendations, it recommended several aspects to treat the psychological problems, namely: (therapeutic intervention, rapid intervention in times of crisis, treatment-by-play, psychological counseling, family therapy, behavioral therapy, psychotherapy group and preventive intervention).

Whereas, there are a number of steps to alleviate the psychological distress for children, namely, (increase the efficiency of professionals, training guides, training parents and teachers, providing training courses for doctors and nurses, and training courses for those interested from the public).

Thus, the vast majority of Gaza children are suffering from psychological, neurological and behavioral problems, as a result of the fierce Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Accordingly, all must take into account Gaza children and provide all means of comfort and safety for them to live a decent life.