Mental Health
How is the Al Amal orphanage in Gaza helping children affected by the Israeli bombardments?
The Al Amal orphanage in Gaza is working to support children who have experienced devastating trauma, having witnessed their homes destroyed and parents killed during Israeli bombardments. Despite operating with very few remaining resources after the attacks, the orphanage is making determined efforts to help these vulnerable children maintain some sense of normalcy and hope. The orphanage serves as a critical lifeline for these orphaned children, trying to help them 'hold onto life' amidst circumstances of extreme loss and destruction. This support is especially crucial considering the scale of the crisis, with thousands of orphaned children facing not only physical challenges but also significant mental health struggles in the aftermath of the violence.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)
Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:18
What happened to nine-year-old Ramas during the Israeli airstrike in Gaza?
Nine-year-old Ramas lost her entire family—parents, sister, and two brothers—when an Israeli airstrike hit her grandfather's home in the Al Zaytun neighborhood of southern Gaza. The attack occurred in two phases: the first missile caused burns and injuries to Ramas, while the second claimed the lives of all her family members. Miraculously, Ramas survived after remaining unconscious under the debris for six days. She is now the sole survivor of her immediate family, with her aunt becoming her only remaining relative. This devastating experience reflects the broader crisis of orphaned children in Gaza who face immense trauma and loss due to ongoing violence.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)
Al Jazeera English
01:17 - 01:57
What impact has the war had on children in Gaza?
The war has created an overwhelming orphan crisis in Gaza, with statistics indicating more than 30,000 children have been orphaned, including 4,700 who have lost both parents and are the only survivors of their families. These children face severe mental health challenges after witnessing violence and losing family members. Many of these traumatized children urgently need mental health support to address depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. Their psychological wounds require immediate attention alongside their physical needs, highlighting the devastating humanitarian impact of the conflict on Gaza's most vulnerable population.
Watch clip answer (00:29m)Al Jazeera English
00:22 - 00:51
What is happening to children in Gaza and how is the Al Amal orphanage responding?
Children in Gaza are enduring devastating trauma, having witnessed the destruction of their homes and the loss of their parents in the ongoing conflict. Over 30,000 children have become orphans, facing severe emotional distress and physical injuries amid the violence. The Al Amal orphanage in Gaza is attempting to support these vulnerable survivors despite operating with severely limited resources following Israeli bombardments. The orphanage is striving to help traumatized children like 9-year-old Ramas maintain hope and stability in the aftermath of such profound loss, though the challenges remain immense as they work to help these children hold onto life.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)Al Jazeera English
00:01 - 00:18
What impact have Israeli attacks had on healthcare facilities in Gaza and how does it affect children?
Israeli attacks have destroyed or heavily damaged more than 80% of health facilities in Gaza, creating a devastating healthcare crisis that particularly affects vulnerable children. Injured or sick children are left without necessary medical care in the aftermath of these bombardments. Many orphaned children now suffer from severe physical trauma including blast injuries, amputations, and disabilities that require long-term rehabilitation services. This healthcare infrastructure collapse has created a dual crisis - not only are children experiencing severe physical injuries, but they lack access to the specialized medical care needed for recovery and rehabilitation.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)Al Jazeera English
01:58 - 02:23
How has the conflict in Gaza affected children?
In Gaza, half of the 1 million displaced people are children, many of whom have become separated from their families during Israeli bombardments. These children are often left stranded or placed in damaged shelters without guardians, creating a crisis of vulnerable youth without protection. The ongoing conflict has created an entire generation of traumatized children who have been stripped of their basic safety and security. As they flee with their families through dangerous conditions, many become separated in the chaos, leaving them alone and vulnerable in an already devastating humanitarian situation.
Watch clip answer (00:16m)Al Jazeera English
02:25 - 02:41