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Gaza children deal with psychological trauma month after war

Psychologists and specialists in Gaza are working to help children who suffered trauma and support mothers who lost their children during the latest Israeli war.
Palestinian children hold candles during a rally amid the ruins of houses allegedly destroyed by Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza Strip, on May 25, 2021, in Gaza City, Gaza.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The 11-day war on the Gaza Strip ended on May 21 but inflicted lasting psychological trauma and behavioral changes on children in Gaza, due to what they witnessed during the bombing, the destruction of high-rise towers and the killings of entire families. 

Approximately 65 children were killed and 540 were injured, and UNICEF stated that about 500,000 children may need psychological support. UNICEF said pre-war statistics indicated that one out of every three children in Gaza needed psychological and social support.

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