Gazan children seek psychological relief amid escalating Israeli attacks

By Hosni Nedim and Gulsen Topcu

GAZA (AA) - Displaced women and children in the Gaza Strip are distancing themselves from the atmosphere of attacks with psychological and social support activities in the southern city of Khan Yunis, which is under Israeli bombardment.

The city, which recently has been subjected to recent attacks, particularly in the al-Mawasi area, had an event organized by the Productive Teacher Association.

Children who participated in the event in the courtyard of the Aqqa Girls' High School wore traditional Palestinian attire, sang songs, danced, participated in competitions and enjoyed games.

Activist Cemal Abu Mustafa from the Productive Teacher Association said families displaced to Khan Yunis are living under very difficult conditions.

Noting the decision to organize social and psychological support activities for children and women, Abu Mustafa said: "We observed a strong desire among many children to participate in this event and release their negative energies. The event contributed to changing the trend of violence developing in children."

Highlighting the negative effects on children from repeated displacement, Abu Mustafa noted the group engages children in activities to expend their energy, provides individual and group counseling, and implements programs to support families.

Iman al-Kefarne, a mother who shared her migration experience from Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza to Jabalia, Nuseirat, Rafah and Khan Yunis, was concerned about the recent increasing attacks by Israel on Khan Yunis.

"Our fears have multiplied, especially after the Mawasi massacre and attacks on schools without any warning,” she said. She was referencing an attack in Khan Younis which is designated a “safe zone” by Israel, that killed at least 90 Palestinians and injured hundreds more earlier this month. Israel claimed that the attack was targeting Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, but the Palestinian resistance group denied that Deif had been struck.

Kefarne underlined the need for psychological and social support for the displaced and helping them release negative energies.

She also urged expanding psychological support for mothers to assist children in coping with the difficult living conditions during the Israeli onslaught.

Cemelat el-Mısri, 11, who participated in the event, recounted how Khan Yunis had been subjected to attacks recently that caused great fear and led people to flee because they are afraid.

"We were living in fear, but with psychological and social support activities, the atmosphere completely changed. We forgot about war and fear and enjoyed the fun activities,” she said.

El-Mısri expressed her desire for the attacks to end soon so residents could return to their homes and schools.

She also has hope for peace and a return to normalcy.