The mothers of Gaza: war defeats the spirit before the body

In Gaza, where Israel’s genocide has been raging for years, women and mothers are not only exposed to the dangers of bombing and hunger, but also to enormous psychological pressure that leaves a deep mark on their lives and those of their families.

Children who witness destruction and death around them, and women who have lost their homes or loved ones, live in an environment of constant terror and unrelenting anxiety, which directly threatens the mental health of Palestinian women.

The mothers of Gaza

Mothers who find themselves forced to search for food and medicine in relief queues live with a constant feeling of helplessness and fear for their children. Often, they discover that the food or medicine they have received is insufficient or runs out quickly, increasing their feelings of guilt and helplessness.

This psychological burden leads to increased mental health disorders, including depression, chronic anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and directly affects a mother’s ability to care for her children and continue her daily life.

Women who have lost their partners or relatives during the bombing or famine experience double trauma, as they bear the responsibility of maintaining their families amid an environment of social and economic collapse.

Overcrowded tents and shelters, some of which lack clean water, electricity, or even basic sanitation, become a daily scene of psychological and emotional stress. This constant pressure affects sleep, appetite, and even the ability to think and make decisions, increasing the likelihood of exacerbating both physical and mental health problems.

In addition, the blockade imposed on the sector prevents the entry of psychiatric medications or psychological support and rehabilitation programs, leaving women deprived of any safety net or psychological support.

The humanitarian response that occasionally reaches Gaza does not cover urgent psychological needs, while the pressures of daily life increase with continued bombardment and lack of resources.

Long-lasting scars

The psychological effects of war are not temporary, but leave long-lasting scars on women and mothers, which are often passed on to their children, creating a generation of children vulnerable to psychological stress, depression, and developmental disorders.

Women living alone or with their children in tents or temporary shelters are also often exposed to additional risks of violence or exploitation, further exacerbating their psychological and physical vulnerability.

According to the Government Media Office in Gaza, an estimated 60,000 pregnant women are at risk, while more than 3,500 miscarriages have been recorded since the beginning of this year as a result of food and healthcare shortages.

Ultimately, the mental health of women and mothers in Gaza reflects the tragedy of all-out war, which not only kills the body but also shatters the spirit and leaves lasting scars that extend beyond the war itself, confirming that humanitarian crises are not just numbers or statistics, but real stories of women trying to survive with their children amid ongoing destruction.

Featured image via the Canary