Children in Gaza are enduring severe psychological trauma as a result of the ongoing genocidal Israeli war, with many exhibiting symptoms such as extreme attachment to their parents, intense anxiety, bedwetting, and an inability to sleep or eat. According to a report by The Guardian, workers from the “War Child” charity, which provides mental health and educational support to 180,000 children in Gaza, are witnessing these effects on a daily basis.

Ibrahim, the Emergency Protection Officer, told The Guardian: “Children have lost the ability to speak. They can no longer communicate with their families due to the extreme shock. Some have developed intense anger and defensive, aggressive behaviour, while others are suffering from speech impairments, including stuttering.” The psychological damage caused by this genocidal war is evident, with the children unable to process the horror they are experiencing.

The report, written by The Guardian’s Caroline Davies, describes how volunteers work tirelessly with traumatised children, offering psychological first aid through activities such as drawing, singing, and playing to help ease their distress. Temporary classrooms are set up with limited resources, and parents are educated on how to support their children’s mental health. Children with more complex trauma are referred to specialists for further care.

In addition to addressing psychological needs, the charity focuses on basic essentials, understanding that “you cannot offer psychological support to a hungry child or education to one who is cold,” as Mohammed, the Emergency Response Officer, explained. The charity provides food, clean water, shelter, hygiene products, and other necessities to ensure children’s survival amidst the devastation caused by the ongoing war.

The report also highlights the plight of orphaned children, many of whom have lost their parents in Israeli airstrikes, with some suffering life-threatening injuries such as amputations.

According to UNICEF, 17,000 children in Gaza are now orphaned and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

Ibrahim shared, “Every day, I meet orphaned children who have been separated from their families. The trauma they have suffered is unimaginable.” Volunteers have also faced immense risks, with many being displaced multiple times and losing loved ones in the ongoing Israeli attacks. The dangers they face are compounded by the constant threat of bombardment, leaving both civilians and aid workers in a state of perpetual fear.