(Al-Bireh, 11/8/ 2014): The PRCS’ Primary Psychosocial Support Team, which provides psychosocial support in times of war, offered support to more than 9492 beneficiaries during Israel’s latest attack on the Gaza Strip.
Team members visited both Public and UNRWA schools-turned-shelters, as well as residential areas and hospitals. The team covered their own areas of residence given movement restrictions caused by the indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza Strip.
Psychosocial support and morale-boosting events, including games, physical and expressive art activities were organized. Clothes and toys were also distributed to children in an attempt to reduce trauma levels caused by the continuous attacks and massacres which leave them both physically and psychologically scarred.
Azmi Al Astal, Head of PRCS’ Psychosocial Support Department in the Gaza Strip, indicated that witnessing killings and destruction, as well as the loss of a parent, lack of sleep, shortages in medicine and water, lack of safe shelters, and schools-turned-shelters have a heavy and severe impact on children. They also affect their growth and mental, social, educational, behavioral and health development.
He added that PRCS shall continue its efforts and stands ready to meet the psychological and humanitarian needs of affected children within its capacities, with a view to allaying their suffering, safeguarding their dignity and protecting their rights, including the right to live, to play and to be safe. He urged all relevant bodies to take part in the provision of psychosocial support, in cooperation with PRCS, to alleviate the crisis witnessed by Palestinians.
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