Sign in Subscribe
COVID-19

Sectoral Challenges and Negative Feelings Experienced by Palestinians with Disability in Besieged Gaza During COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the Disability & Society journal explores the intersectoral challenges and negative feelings experienced by Palestinians with disability during the COVID-19 pandemic in besieged Gaza, Palestine. The research involved focus group discussions and individual interviews with 45 participants, mainly university students with different disabilities and intersectoral stakeholders. The study found 22 sectoral challenges and 16 interrelated negative feelings and emotions caused by these challenges, highlighting the tripled burden contextual realities that Palestinians with disability faced during the pandemic. The research concluded that adopting an ethical and human right approach that "leaves no one behind" in all life domains is essential.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 22 sectoral challenges experienced by Palestinians with disability in besieged Gaza during the COVID-19 pandemic, including challenges in education, health, and socio-economic sectors.
  • The research found 16 interrelated negative feelings and emotions caused by these sectoral challenges, including feelings of isolation, frustration, and lack of support.
  • The study highlighted the tripled burden contextual realities that Palestinians with disability faced during the pandemic, including the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged siege, and 11-day aggression on Gaza.
  • The research emphasized the need for adopting an ethical and human right approach that prioritizes the inclusion and accessibility of all individuals, particularly those with disabilities.
  • The study involved focus group discussions and individual interviews with 45 participants, mainly university students with different disabilities and intersectoral stakeholders.
  • The research received financial support from the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Disability & Society journal.

Statistics:

  • 45 participants were involved in the study, including 45 university students with different disabilities and intersectoral stakeholders.
  • 22 sectoral challenges were identified by participants, including challenges in education, health, and socio-economic sectors.
  • 16 interrelated negative feelings and emotions were caused by these sectoral challenges, including feelings of isolation, frustration, and lack of support.
  • The study was supported by the Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
  • The research was published in the Disability & Society journal, volume 40, issue 5, pages 1215-1238.

Sources:

  • Sectoral Challenges and Negative Feelings Experienced By Palestinians With Disability In Besieged Gaza During Covid-19 Pandemic. Disability & Society, 2025;40(5):1215-1238.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Islamic University of Gaza Describe Findings in COVID-19 (Sectoral Challenges and Negative Feelings Experienced By Palestinians With Disability In Besieged Gaza During Covid-19 Pandemic). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. May 25, 2025; p 194.

Read more