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Mental illness soars in Gaza

Large numbers of Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from psychological problems as a result of the dire economic and security situation, with few resources for treatment.
A homeless Palestinian woman sleeps at the Erez border crossing in Gaza January 23, 2009. REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis (GAZA) - RTR23S6X
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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Abu Ashraf, a 47-year-old Gazan, spends the majority of his time in his small room with no means of entertainment and only leaves to use the restroom. He sits on his bed for long hours, smoking, with no desire to see or talk to anyone.

Al-Monitor went to interview him. His wife tried to convince him to come out of the room and talk, but he refused. “He is more comfortable in his room, let us go to him,” she apologized.

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