Psychological support has become an essential lifeline for the people of Gaza, helping to alleviate the pain of the injured and heal invisible wounds caused by the ongoing Israeli bombardment. Eman Saqallah, a 34-year-old mother who lost her eldest daughter and suffered severe injuries, speaks of a noticeable improvement in her psychological state thanks to the support she received. After an Israeli bombing destroyed her home in the Al-Nafaq area of Gaza City, Eman found solace in psychological support sessions that helped her cope with her injuries and the profound loss she endured.

Eman recalls the day of the bombing, sharing her story with hope despite the pain. She had gone out to buy essentials for her four children but remembers nothing after that, only waking up later in the hospital. Having lost one of her eyes, she acknowledges the vital role that the support she received played in her recovery. "I want to heal for the sake of my children. We love to be active and provide for our kids, not to be a burden on anyone," she says. Despite the adversity, Eman maintains her faith, accepting her fate with patience. “God does not waste the reward of the patient,” she adds, believing her lost eye “has preceded me to Paradise.”

Suha Ali, another woman from Gaza, was severely injured by an Israeli tank during the siege at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza. Her injury left her with a dislocated hand, causing immense pain and exhaustion. However, receiving psychological support became a turning point in her recovery. "I found someone who comforted me, talked to me, and reassured me that I would recover," Suha explains. This reassurance helped her accept her situation and gave her the strength to cope with the challenges she now faces daily in her home, where she is reminded of her limitations.

Mental health professionals in Gaza, such as Ola Qweider, play a crucial role in helping the injured and their families cope with the psychological toll of the war. The ongoing conflict, which has led to nearly 57,000 deaths and 108,000 injuries since October 2023, has caused significant psychological trauma. Qweider highlights that the emotional suffering of the wounded, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, is just as critical as physical treatment. She explains that these psychological effects are even more intense for those who have lost family members or their homes.

The psychological support teams at "Al Mamadani" Hospital work with over 450 cases each month, helping individuals express their feelings and gradually restore their psychological balance. Despite the challenges, the hospital has recorded several success stories, particularly in helping patients overcome psychological breakdowns caused by the war. However, these efforts are hindered by repeated bombings of hospitals and medical staff, which increase the difficulties of delivering care and putting the lives of medical professionals at risk.

Furthermore, the lack of resources and overcrowding in Gaza's medical facilities exacerbate the challenges of providing adequate psychological care. The families of the injured continue to demand more psychological support, especially for their children, in an effort to avoid worsening symptoms and to prevent painful memories from overwhelming them. Mental health professionals have called for the international community to act urgently to end the Israeli war, open humanitarian crossings, and allow the wounded to seek treatment abroad.

International organizations, including Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF), stress that the deep psychological wounds suffered by Gaza’s people will remain impossible to heal without an immediate and permanent ceasefire. The people of Gaza are suffering from severe emotional and psychological trauma, and only through peace and international intervention can the healing process truly begin.