Skip to main content

Suicide rates on rise in Gaza

Suicide cases are increasing in the Gaza Strip as a result of the wars waged by Israel that cause psychological, economic and social problems.

A Palestinian boy rides a bicycle past the ruins of houses that witnesses said were destroyed by Israeli shelling during a 50-day war last summer, on a rainy day in the village of Johar a-Deek near central Gaza Strip January 9, 2015. Heavy rains and near-freezing temperatures in the approaching storm threatened to deepen the misery in the Gaza Strip, where streets are still strewn with wreckage from a 50-day war with Israel last summer, thousands live in U.N. shelters and damaged homes and the power is on o
A Palestinian boy rides a bicycle past the ruins of houses that witnesses said were destroyed by Israeli shelling during a 50-day war last summer, on a rainy day in the village of Johar a-Deek near the central Gaza Strip, Jan. 9, 2015. — REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa

RAFAH, Gaza Strip — Tunisia only needed Tarek al-Tayeb Mohamed Bouazizi in December 2010 to start the Arab Spring and subsequently the country ruled by a dictator became a lawful democratic state. The goals of Tunisians were accomplished after the suicide of Bouazizi, who set himself on fire in a protest against the oppressive security policies.

Committing suicide by hanging, poisoning or setting oneself on fire is now more common for those who have completely lost hope. For them, it is the easiest way to find eternal rest and to escape from the political, economic and social injustice they are subject to. The Gaza Strip, besieged for the past eight years and suffering the misfortunes of isolation, is witnessing the new phenomenon of suicide that is plaguing its streets, just like Tunisia and Egypt.

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in