Deir el-Balah, central Gaza Strip – In the busy courtyard of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the central Gaza Strip, psychologist Mohamed Abushawish has set up a space to provide early psychological assistance to children seeking refuge there.
Under Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza, Abushawish provides activities for children in the hospital’s corridors and open spaces.
Since the first days of the war, around 300 families have taken refuge in the hospital. Their numbers have steadily increased following orders from Israeli authorities to relocate residents of the northern Gaza City to the southern Gaza Strip.
Shyly, the children shyly join an active circle organized by Abushawish, who kindly invites them inside.
Among them, Hamsa Irshi, 10 years old, with a bright smile, applauds with the other children in the circle. She told Tel Aviv Tribune the story of her family’s departure from their home in the al-Daraj neighborhood, east of Gaza City.
“Last Friday, my mother and three brothers and sisters accompanied me to my uncle’s house in Deir el-Balah,” she said. “However, that same night, Israeli air raids targeted my uncle’s house, killing their entire family. »
For a brief moment, Hamsa held back tears, then continued.
“We were in a room a little away from the direct hit. My mother was slightly injured and they managed to pull us out of the rubble.
Of the people who were at his uncle’s house that night, only his mother, three brothers and two cousins survived the bombing. His three uncles and their families were killed. Hamsa’s father and his other siblings are still in Gaza City.
Despite her shock, Hamsa actively participates in mental support activities and talks about her fear of war. She says she desperately needs this to end, stating: “I don’t feel safe.”
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Malak Khatab, who normally lives in Deir el-Balah camp, expressed his joy after participating in the activities. She said children crave more such activities to boost their morale.
Malak recounted a horrific night a week ago when she and her family were terrified by the bombing of their neighbor’s house. She described how they were abruptly awakened by falling debris, followed by a huge explosion. Malak found herself trapped under the rubble, her father frantically trying to keep her safe. Civil protection teams then rescued them.
The Khatab family’s house suffered significant damage following the bombing, as did other neighboring houses. They were therefore forced to take refuge in the hospital, where they now sleep on the floor. There are no more beds.
“My father’s voice has faded”
Nearby, in the hospital courtyard, Anas al-Mansi, 12, lies on a mattress on the floor, seemingly indifferent to the children’s activities going on around him. After initial resistance, Anas finally agreed to speak to Tel Aviv Tribune after a convincing conversation with his uncle.
He explained his lack of interest in activities by saying, “I have no desire to do anything.” Anas then recounted the tragic loss of his father and aunt in an air attack on their home in Deir el-Balah a week ago.
He described a night when they were sleeping soundly and suddenly a massive explosion shattered the peace. Anas did not remember the precise details, except for his father’s last words, asking them to recite “Shahadatain” (declaration of faith).
“My father’s voice slowly faded away and I found myself buried in debris and dust. I called my father, but he didn’t answer,” Anas said. “I knew he might be killed.”
As he spoke, Anas uncovered his back, revealing a multitude of bruises and wounds. The family was trapped under the rubble for some time before being rescued.
“My brother also suffered serious back injuries, leaving him unable to walk, and my mother is still in hospital after injuring her legs. »
Anas said he wanted a quick end to the war, but added that he had no desire to return to any semblance of normal life.
“There is no life,” he said firmly.
The hospital’s mental health unit is particularly committed to supporting these children, Abushawish said. Many of them have loved ones who have been injured or died, or who have been displaced and are now sheltering in hospital, all of which have taken a toll on their psychological well-being, he added.
Abushawish said the children also suffer distressing psychological and physical symptoms resulting from the trauma.
“These symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headaches, foot pain, involuntary urination and rapid heartbeat, were direct consequences of the incessant bombardment in the Gaza Strip,” he said. .
Abushawish added that many children show clear signs of post-traumatic stress after losing their parents and being rescued from the rubble after days trapped under the rubble.
“These are heartbreaking and overwhelming events that go beyond what children, the most vulnerable members of society, should endure,” he said.
“Therapeutic activities provide crucial initial psychological assistance and a rapid intervention to alleviate traumatic effects on children, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict.
“There is no immediate horizon for a near end to the war. Therefore, these activities help them to resist, endure and adapt to what is happening around them,” Abushawish concluded.