Since 2007, following the rise of Hamas to power in Gaza, Israel has enforced a comprehensive blockade on the territory. This blockade has transformed Gaza into what many describe as an “open-air prison,” trapping around two million Palestinians within its confines. The cumulative effects of this long-standing siege have had devastating repercussions on the mental health of Palestinians, exacerbating feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and trauma. At the same time, the unrelenting pressure of living under such conditions can act as a catalyst for extremism and rebellion, especially among those who feel that peaceful means of change have been exhausted.
The Conditions of the Blockade
The blockade imposed by Israel has severely limited Palestinians’ access to essential resources. Basic necessities such as clean water, food, medical supplies, and electricity are often in short supply. The socio-economic conditions in Gaza are dire: the unemployment rate stands at over 45%, with youth unemployment rates exceeding 60%, according to the World Bank. An overwhelming 80% of Gazans rely on humanitarian aid for survival, according to the United Nations. This lack of access to the outside world, compounded by regular military incursions, bombings, and airstrikes, leaves a population in a near-perpetual state of fear and uncertainty.
This chronic deprivation fosters a sense of entrapment, where many Palestinians feel as if they are under siege in both a physical and psychological sense. Gaza’s residents live in an environment shaped by trauma, with few avenues for relief or escape. This has given rise to an alarming mental health crisis, with widespread reports of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological disorders.
The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Siege
Living under these conditions creates a sustained state of fear and uncertainty. Studies on the mental health of Palestinians in Gaza have shown that constant exposure to violence, alongside restrictions on movement and access to healthcare, has led to a sharp rise in psychological disorders. Research published in the Journal of Trauma & Stress shows that children living in Gaza are particularly vulnerable to PTSD and other mental health issues due to their exposure to war-related trauma and the absence of a safe environment.
A 2021 study published in The Lancet highlighted the high rates of mental health problems in Gaza, especially among adolescents. It found that over 60% of children aged 6-12 displayed symptoms of PTSD, and more than 80% of young people expressed feelings of depression and hopelessness. These figures are a direct result of the traumatic environment caused by the blockade and frequent military assaults, where children and adults alike are exposed to violence and death on a regular basis.
This climate of psychological distress is not only pervasive but also self-perpetuating. Limited access to mental health services due to the blockade has exacerbated the problem. The chronic lack of healthcare professionals, coupled with restrictions on medical supplies and resources, has left many Gazans without access to adequate mental health treatment.
The Role of Chronic Oppression in Fostering Extremism
The psychological effects of this prolonged siege do not exist in isolation. Living under such oppressive conditions can fuel a broader sense of resentment and anger, which, in turn, can drive individuals towards more extreme ideologies. When people feel that they have no power over their lives, that peaceful resistance yields no results, and that international efforts to address their plight have failed, they may turn to more radical means of expressing their frustration.
In Gaza, the ongoing blockade and the regular cycles of violence have led to an increasing number of Palestinians, particularly the youth, to feel that peaceful negotiations and diplomacy have achieved nothing for their cause. This sense of despair, combined with the lack of opportunities for economic or social advancement, can lead to an embrace of extremism as a form of rebellion against their perceived oppressors.
Numerous studies have linked prolonged oppression, humiliation, and trauma to the rise of extremist ideologies. Research by Political Psychology indicates that individuals who are subjected to sustained humiliation and deprivation, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza, are more likely to develop radical views. In this context, militancy or violent resistance can be seen as a way to reclaim agency in a situation where all other avenues for change appear blocked.
Furthermore, the siege has created an environment where extremist factions can thrive, using the collective trauma of the population as a recruitment tool. With no viable alternatives for hope, employment, or escape, extremist groups often find fertile ground for recruiting individuals who have been pushed to their psychological limits.
The Cycle of Violence and Mental Health
This cycle of violence and psychological trauma is self-reinforcing. As Palestinians face continued assaults, both physical and psychological, their mental health deteriorates further. This, in turn, can lead to more acts of rebellion and resistance, fuelling further military responses from Israel. The blockade’s role in creating an atmosphere of desperation and resentment cannot be understated, as it not only erodes mental well-being but also entrenches the conditions for a perpetuation of violence and extremism.
Conclusion
The Israeli blockade of Gaza, which has effectively turned the territory into an open-air prison, has had devastating effects on the mental health of Palestinians. The chronic exposure to violence, deprivation, and a lack of future prospects has created a population besieged by trauma, depression, and PTSD. At the same time, these conditions also act as a breeding ground for extremism and rebellion, as many feel that peaceful methods of resistance have been exhausted. Without addressing the root causes of this psychological crisis, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Sources
- Thabet, A. A. M., Abed, Y., & Vostanis, P. (2002). “Emotional problems in Palestinian children living under military violence.” The Lancet, 359(9320), 1801-1804.
- Qouta, S., Punamäki, R. L., & El Sarraj, E. (2008). “Child development and family mental health in war and military violence: The Palestinian experience.” International Journal of Behavioral Development, 32(4), 310-321.
- Shamia, S., Thabet, A. A. M., & Vostanis, P. (2015). “The impact of trauma on Palestinian children and adolescents in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.” Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 8(4), 281-288.
- Giacaman, R., Khatib, R., Shabaneh, L., et al. (2009). “Health status and health services in the occupied Palestinian territory.” The Lancet, 373(9666), 837-849.
- Canetti, D., Hall, B. J., Rapaport, C., & Wayne, C. (2013). “Exposure to political violence and political extremism: A stress-based process.” European Psychologist, 18(4), 263-272.
- Khamis, V. (2012). “Impact of war, trauma, and torture on post-traumatic stress symptoms among Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip.” Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 18(4), 401-408.
These sources provide comprehensive insight into the mental health crisis in Gaza, illustrating the profound and multifaceted impact of Israel’s ongoing blockade and siege.
