The war in the Gaza Strip has left a devastating impact on children, with many being orphaned and becoming amputees. However, 8-year-old Sama Tabeel has suffered a different kind of trauma – she has lost almost all of her hair due to the unbearable stress of the war. Sama’s mother, Olfat, recounts the horror her family faced during the bombings, which led to Sama’s hair falling out all at once. Doctors in Gaza have been unable to provide a definitive diagnosis or treatment for Sama’s condition, with some suggesting it is a result of fear and stress.
The continuous violence, displacement, and lack of basic necessities in Gaza have taken a toll on the mental health of children. Many have experienced symptoms such as loss of appetite, bedwetting, and speech regression. Save the Children reported that 55% of children in Gaza had suicidal thoughts, highlighting the desperate situation faced by the younger generation in the region.
Sama’s psychological state has been severely impacted by the war, with her expressing fear, sadness, and a desire to die. Her mother describes the challenges they face living in a state of constant danger and uncertainty. Despite the hardships, Sama dreams of returning to their home in northern Gaza and hopes that her hair will grow back in time for her ninth birthday. The story of Sama sheds light on the long-lasting mental and emotional scars that conflicts like the one in Gaza leave on innocent children.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
