Children in Gaza Strip traumatised after armed conflict

Staff from SOS Children's Villages in the Gaza Strip have reported on the impact the armed conflict has had on the children and families participating in the Family Strengthening Programme (FSP). The programme in Gaza is currently helping 187 families, including 900 children.

Communicating with these children and families has been problematic for staff during the 23 days of violence. After assessing the damages and impact on the families,Ihsan Redwan, FSP National Coordinator in the Gaza Strip says all 900 children who receive assistance as part of the programme have been psychologically disturbed by the violence: "We have noticed the appearance of white spots on the children's faces and all are suffering from obvious psychological repercussions, including re-occurrence of nightmares, constant screaming out of fear, bed-wetting and various health problems, including nausea and vomiting. The children are terrified and refuse to eat or play," reports Ihsan via email.

According to Ihsan, the families have been affected on different levels with at least eight children incurring severe injuries, including skull factures, burns, and broken limbs. A number of families, including children, have witnessed the killing of their relatives and the majority who had fled their homes to seek shelter elsewhere returned to find their houses either partly damaged or reduced to rubble.

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