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Counselling sessions help children cope
with their fears after recent violence in Gaza
UNICEF
GAZA, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 24
March 2008 – A renewed round of
fighting that began late last month brought chaos and destruction to
Jabalia, located at the northern end of the Gaza Strip. The violence
exacerbated an already deteriorating humanitarian situation stemming
from the near total blockade of Gaza since June 2007.
At
least 25 children in Gaza were reportedly killed during military
incursions that followed cross-border rocket attacks into southern
Israel.
In
the aftermath of the fighting, UNICEF, in partnership with the
Palestinian Centre for Democracy and Conflict Resolution (PCDCR), has
been working to help distressed children through group counselling
sessions.
Children frightened by violence
'Life was horrible,' recalled Ahmad, 12. 'The fighting was so intense
for days. The situation was really bad.'
Unable to venture out, families and children hid in their homes, many
without water or electricity. Many children were extremely frightened by
the sounds of violence outside their doors. Parents and caregivers have
reported seeing children show signs of aggression, hyperactivity,
nightmares, bed-wetting and fear of being alone.
'My little brother was so scared and now he cannot go to the bathroom
alone. He wakes up at night with nightmares and we stand next to his bed
trying to calm him down, telling him not to be scared,' said Tahreer,
12.
Healing through talk
'Children witnessed the killing and injuring of people,' said PCDCR
Project Coordinator Inas Al Khatib. 'All of these factors led to
problems among children. We are now trying to help children overcome
their behavioural problems and to adapt to situation.'
The psychosocial intervention programme, funded by the European
Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department, provides a safe and open space
for children to talk about their fears while providing them with needed
skills to cope with their emotions. For children in need of advanced
care, the partners have ensured that individual counselling sessions are
also available.
While the streets of Jabalia are quiet for now, young people here still
face uncertainty. Interventions like those provided by UNICEF and PCDCR
are helping them to maintain hope for a better future.
'As I grow up,' said Ahmad, 'I hope to become a physician to treat the
injured
mostly children and to put an end to their suffering.'
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/oPt_43341.html
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