Impact of the conflict on mental health and psychosocial support needs in Gaza

acaps
Sep 03, 2024

Impact of the conflict on mental health and psychosocial support needs in Gaza


Over ten months of intense conflict in Gaza have caused and aggravated mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs. MHPSS needs were already high prior to October 2023, as decades of occupation, conflict, and economic deprivation contributed to widespread depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health and psychosocial problems. Since October 2023, the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza have witnessed or experienced an unprecedented number of violent and traumatic events, including direct violence, repeated displacement, and the loss of loved ones, homes, and belongings (NRC 13/12/2023; Protection Cluster 24/05/2024; KII 09/08/2024). Such experiences have increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health and psychosocial problems. Extensive destruction of the healthcare system prevents even basic treatment of these conditions in the immediate and long term (Health Cluster 05/05/2024; CSIS 22/01/2024; KII 09/08/2024; KII 13/08/2024). 

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