In Gaza, the continuing conflict has left indelible marks on its youngest residents. Last year, doctors determined that eight-year-old Sama Tubail's sudden hair loss was the result of severe nervous shock after an Israeli air strike hit her neighbor's home in Rafah.
For Sama, the physical scars have been compounded by emotional pain. Bullied by peers because of her altered appearance, she now hides behind a pink bandana, a quiet testament to the persistent challenges she faces in a conflict zone.
UNICEF reported last June that nearly all of Gaza's 1.2 million children urgently require psychological support. The repeated exposure to trauma has deeply affected these young lives, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive mental health care and community support.
This ongoing crisis highlights not only the immediate physical dangers but also the lasting emotional toll on children. As humanitarian organizations strive to respond to these urgent needs, the story of young Sama serves as a compelling reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of nurturing resilience in future generations.
Reference(s):
Continued Palestinian-Israeli conflict traumatizes Gaza's children
cgtn.com
