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Parenting

Gaza's Psychological Scars: A Generation's Worth of Healing Needed

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Residents of Gaza, a year and a half after the last military operation, continue to live under the psychological shadow of the conflict, with many experiencing PTSD, depression, and emotional numbness. Experts warn that it may take generations to heal the wounds of war, as the population struggles to cope with the trauma of losing loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. The mental health situation is described as "catastrophic," with medicine shortages, lack of trained staff, and limited international support exacerbating the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nearly 68% of Gaza's population suffers from PTSD, according to a report by the Gaza Community Mental Health Program.
  • 96% of children feel death is imminent, and 92% struggle to adapt to new living conditions.
  • 87% of residents experience persistent fear and nightmares.
  • The availability of psychiatric medication is less than 50% of pre-war levels.
  • Gaza-based psychologist Salem Abu Taha calls for urgent group therapy programs and rehabilitation initiatives for students to help them express grief and rebuild confidence.
  • Rebuilding Gaza's psychological resilience requires a long-term national plan that includes free treatment programs, training new mental health professionals, and launching social campaigns.

Statistics:

  • 68% of Gaza's population suffers from PTSD (Gaza Community Mental Health Program, "Mental Health Crisis: Two Years of Living Under Genocide")
  • 96% of children feel death is imminent
  • 92% of residents struggle to adapt to new living conditions
  • 87% experience persistent fear and nightmares
  • Less than 50% of pre-war levels of psychiatric medication are available (Abdullah al-Jamal, director of the Gaza Psychiatric Hospital)
  • 68% of residents have experienced loss of a family member or a close friend during the war (Gaza Community Mental Health Program report)

Sources:

  • Gaza Community Mental Health Program, "Mental Health Crisis: Two Years of Living Under Genocide" (October 2025)
  • Xinhua News Agency, "Gaza's Psychological Scars: A Generation's Worth of Healing Needed" (November 2, 2025)

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