RNA - It said 56 percent of Palestinian children surveyed by NRC in March were suffering from traumatic nightmares, WAFA reported.
When repeating the survey preliminary findings indicate an increase to 60 percent, a month into the Great Return March demonstrations during which 44 Palestinian protestors have been killed, including 4 children and 2 journalists. More than 6,400 Palestinians have been injured, including at least 530 children, many of whom are left with amputated limbs and permanent disabilities.
Principals from 20 schools interviewed by NRC reported a rise in symptoms of post-traumatic stress in children, including fears, anxiety, stress and nightmares. School principals attributed high levels of post-traumatic stress and low concentration at school to the violent response to the demonstrations. The principals ranked increased psychosocial support in schools as their top need right now.
“The violence children are witnessing in Gaza comes on top of an already worsening situation negatively impacting their mental wellbeing, including living under blockade for the last 11 years and three devastating wars that deprived many children of their close relatives and friends,” said NRC Secretary General Jan Egeland. “Now they are once again faced with the horrifying prospect of losing their loved ones, as they see more and more friends and relatives getting killed and injured.”
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