Region | Palestinian Territories

Kids' plight: Wet beds, recurring nightmares

Medical officials in Gaza said that children are the worst affected since the Israeli assault began, amid warnings that the bombardment and the continuing blockade could spur a new generation to embrace violence.

  • By Vita Bekker, Financial Times
  • Published: 23:38 January 7, 2009
  • Gulf News

Medical officials in Gaza said that children are the worst affected since the Israeli assault began, amid warnings that the bombardment and the continuing blockade could spur a new generation to embrace violence.

Gaza's children, who make up more than half of the 1.5 million inhabitants in the impoverished territory, were shell-shocked, relief workers warned.

"They are terrified. The bombing is around the clock and there is no rest at all," said Sajy Al Mughanni, a co-ordinator for the United Nations Children's Fund.

"This could [have an] impact on the children for months or years afterwards."

Most children now spend their time indoors at home, as schools have become makeshift shelters for Palestinians displaced by the assault.

Parents say children have lost their appetites, cling to them, wet beds and have recurring nightmares.

They also suffer from the cold, especially at night, as most windows are kept open to avoid them shattering during bombardments.


Your comments


Every eye seeks US president-elect Obama's words. But what have the Arab leader's done for the Gaza massacre? At first they should speak out instead of sending some medicine and food. Arabs are not united, otherwise Israel would not dare to touch Palestine.
Naushad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 08, 2009, 10:19

  • Rate this article
  • Average reader rating (0 votes) 0 Stars
Tools

Emailing an article to friend is a simple way to share a news item. Your friend will receive an email with your name and email address as well any personal message you choose to send.

The information you provide on this page will not be used to send unsolicited emails.

This service is not intended to encourage spam, and action may be taken against individuals who maliciously enter personal details of another individual.

Share this article

Related Articles

  1. Arab leaders can weather storm

    Arab leaders can weather storm

  2. 'When tanks crossed border, explosives fell from all directions'

    'When tanks crossed border, explosives fell from all directions'

  3. Main hospital fighting a desperate battle

    Main hospital fighting a desperate battle

    Main hospital in Gaza fighting a desperate battle

  4. Zawahri urges attacks on Israel, West

    Top Al Qaida official urges Muslims to strike Western, Israeli targets

  5. Even UN shelters provide no safety

    Even UN shelters provide no safety for residents

  6. Muslim communities united

    Muslim communities united by Israel's brutal onslaught

  7. Egypt announces ceasefire plan

    Egypt announces Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire plan

  8. Israel haunted by Lebanon mistakes

    Israel haunted by Lebanon mistakes in Gaza, say Egyptian military experts

  9. Muslim states seek UN session

    Muslim states seek UN session

  10. Israel rebuffs calls for observers

    Israel rebuffs calls for observers

More from Palestinian Territories

  1. Emirati doctor helps Gaza children hear

  2. Israel ready to talk peace with Syria

  3. Palestinians recommend calling off vote

  4. No colony decision by Netanyahu, Sarkozy

All articles in Palestinian territories

More from Region

Gulf News
Popular in News
News Editor's choice