War Child calls for urgent support for Gaza's traumatized children

On October 7, 2023, an attack by Hamas struck Kibbutz Be'eri in Israel, resulting in over 90 resident fatalities and approximately 30 individuals being taken hostage. Following the violence, the entire community of 900 residents were evacuated to the David Dead Sea Resort Hotel in Ein Bokek, where it became evident they would be staying for an extended duration. The trauma inflicted by the attack led community leaders to recognize the necessity of establishing a stable environment for the children, who were clearly struggling with the aftermath. They initiated programs focused on helping them process their experiences through storytelling and role-playing, providing them a sense of safety and community. In a parallel situation, Gaza's Kamal Adwan Hospital faced intensified Israeli military assaults, affecting its operations severely. The director of the hospital reported that patients were at risk and that evacuation plans were complicated due to the ongoing bombardment. As medical staff attempted to maintain care amid dire conditions, they called for international support to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. The hospital represented the last healthcare service in northern Gaza, illustrating the escalating violence and the impact on healthcare systems and civilians. Additionally, humanitarian organizations such as War Child are mobilizing efforts to provide psychological support and basic needs to children in Gaza, who are suffering immensely due to the violence. Reports from the field describe psychological manifestations in children, such as attachment issues and speech impediments, that have arisen from extreme trauma. War Child aims to assist over a million children affected by the conflict through educational and mental health programs, revealing the deep scars left by the ongoing conflict on the younger population in the region. These narratives highlight the vast impact of violence, with urgent calls for attention and action from the international community to protect vulnerable populations. The events in both Kibbutz Be'eri and the Kamal Adwan Hospital underscore the dire situation caused by the ongoing conflict in the region, affecting both mental health and healthcare infrastructure, with communities caught in a cycle of trauma and violence awaiting substantial international intervention.