SHAMS warns of future psychological consequences for children in Gaza

PALESTINE, Jan. 05 (YPA) – The Human Rights and Democracy Media Center “Shams” warned on Thursday of the future psychological consequences and risks for children in the Gaza Strip, as a result of the ongoing Zionist aggression against the Strip.

The center explained in a news release that aggression reflected children with serious psychological effects and trauma on their health, whether at the present time or in the medium or long term.

It indicated that these traumas on children are represented by a number of symptoms, as severe tension and anxiety, and fear of death or injury, because of the occupation’s use of excessive force and indiscriminate bombing and executions.

“The continuation of the aggression against Gaza has led to major psychological trauma among children, as they suffer from panic attacks when night explosions occur,” the statement continued.

It also warned of the consequences and effects of psychological trauma on children in the future, in light of the destruction of hospitals and mental health departments specialized in the field of mental health in the Gaza Strip.

“Shams” called for the necessity of providing children with means of leisure and entertainment, to treat these effects and psychological traumas resulting from the horrors of war and aggression, by organizing some activities and events.

The statement stressed that the effects of the aggression on Gaza and its negative repercussions on children constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention, which affirms the protection of civilians, especially children and women, in conflicts.

Shams called on the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Children’s Affairs, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization to stand up to their responsibilities, put pressure on the enemy government and force it to stop its crimes against Palestinian children in Gaza.

AA