Trauma
What is the current situation for children displaced by conflict in Gaza?
In Gaza, approximately one million people are displaced, with half being children who have been severely impacted by Israeli bombardments. During evacuations, many families became separated in the chaos, leaving children stranded or in damaged shelters without guardians. These children have become a traumatized generation, stripped of basic safety and security. The displaced children live in constant fear that their situation may worsen if the current fragile ceasefire collapses. They represent a particularly vulnerable population within the broader humanitarian crisis, facing not only the physical dangers of conflict but also profound psychological trauma from their experiences.
Watch clip answer (00:21m)
Al Jazeera English
02:25 - 02:46
What happened to 9-year-old Ramas during the Israeli airstrike in Gaza?
Nine-year-old Ramas survived an Israeli airstrike that targeted her home in Al Zaytun neighborhood in southern Gaza, killing her parents, sister, and two brothers. She suffered burns and injuries from the first missile, while the second missile claimed the lives of all her family members. Remarkably, Ramas survived six days unconscious under debris following the attack. Ramas was found alive after the devastating strike that left her as the only survivor from her immediate family. Her aunt is now her only remaining relative. This heartbreaking story represents just one of thousands of children orphaned by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting the severe human toll of the violence.
Watch clip answer (00:40m)Al Jazeera English
01:17 - 01:57
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