How the Gaza War Deepened Depression and Insomnia Among 1967 Palestinian Refugees

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The recent war in Gaza has left countless families grappling with unimaginable devastation, but for Palestinian refugees displaced since the 1967 war, the psychological impact has been particularly harrowing. Decades of displacement, coupled with fresh trauma, have reignited waves of depression and insomnia, intensifying the struggles of those who’ve already endured a lifetime of hardship. This article explores how this generational trauma is manifesting and what it means for these communities.

The Weight of Generational Trauma

For Palestinian refugees displaced in the aftermath of the 1967 war, also known as the Naksa, life has been a continuous struggle for stability and identity. These individuals have spent over five decades living in refugee camps or precarious circumstances, often devoid of basic rights and protections. The recent escalation in Gaza has reopened old wounds, amplifying the unresolved trauma that has been passed down through generations.

Psychologists point out that generational trauma often surfaces during periods of heightened stress. For these refugees, the memories of displacement, violence, and loss from 1967 intertwine with the current violence in Gaza, creating a mental health crisis that feels both immediate and inescapable. They’re not just grappling with their own memories but also the inherited burden of loss experienced by their families.

This compounded trauma often manifests as depression and anxiety, conditions that are difficult to address in settings where mental health resources are scarce. Refugees frequently report feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a sense of being forgotten by the world.

The Rise of Insomnia Amidst Ongoing Violence

Insomnia is one of the most prevalent symptoms reported by Palestinian refugees during times of conflict. The constant threat of violence, coupled with the memories of past wars, makes restful sleep a near impossibility. For many, the sound of airstrikes and the sight of destruction trigger flashbacks to 1967, disrupting their ability to find even temporary respite in sleep.

Experts explain that insomnia among refugees is often tied to hypervigilance—a state of heightened alertness that the brain adopts as a survival mechanism. Refugees frequently describe staying awake to “protect” their families, even when there’s little they can do against the realities of war. This chronic lack of sleep exacerbates mental health issues, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

In refugee camps, where overcrowding and poor living conditions are common, finding a safe and quiet space to sleep is another challenge. The absence of basic amenities like electricity and clean water further compounds the stress, leaving individuals physically and emotionally drained.

The Unique Struggles of the 1967 Refugee Generation

The refugees displaced in 1967 face unique struggles compared to younger generations. Many of them were children or young adults when they were first uprooted from their homes. Now, as elderly individuals, they’re experiencing a resurgence of trauma that they had hoped was behind them.

This demographic often finds it harder to cope with new waves of conflict, as they lack the resilience and physical stamina of younger refugees. For them, the war in Gaza serves as a painful reminder of their own displacement, reigniting fears that their children and grandchildren will face the same fate. This sense of intergenerational responsibility—coupled with the feeling of having failed to secure a better future for their families—deepens their depression.

Additionally, many 1967 refugees have never achieved permanent resettlement or citizenship in their host countries. The lack of legal status and social integration has left them in a perpetual state of limbo, making it even harder to access mental health care or other forms of support.

The Role of Community and Cultural Resilience

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Palestinian refugee communities have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Cultural practices, such as storytelling, poetry, and communal gatherings, play a crucial role in preserving their identity and offering a sense of solidarity. These practices often serve as informal coping mechanisms, helping individuals process their trauma and find strength in their shared history.

However, the recent war in Gaza has disrupted even these forms of resilience. Community gatherings have become dangerous in the face of airstrikes, and the constant displacement has eroded traditional support systems. Refugees are increasingly isolated, which only worsens feelings of depression and hopelessness.

NGOs and humanitarian organizations are stepping in to provide psychological support, but the scale of the crisis makes it difficult to meet the growing demand. Efforts to introduce mental health services in refugee camps are often hampered by limited resources and the ongoing instability in the region.

What Can Be Done to Address the Crisis?

Addressing the mental health crisis among Palestinian refugees requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there needs to be an immediate cessation of violence to provide these communities with a sense of safety and stability. Without this, any attempts at psychological intervention will be undermined by the ongoing trauma of conflict.

Mental health services must also be prioritized in humanitarian aid programs. This includes training local counselors, providing access to medication, and creating safe spaces for individuals to seek support. Innovative approaches, such as telemedicine, could help bridge the gap in areas where physical access to care is limited.

On a broader scale, the international community must address the root causes of displacement. Long-term solutions—including the recognition of refugee rights, pathways to citizenship, and meaningful peace negotiations—are essential to breaking the cycle of trauma and insecurity that has plagued these communities for decades.

Conclusion: A Crisis in Need of Urgent Attention

The war in Gaza has reignited deep-seated trauma among Palestinian refugees from the 1967 conflict, triggering widespread depression and insomnia. These psychological struggles are compounded by decades of displacement, poor living conditions, and limited access to mental health care. For the 1967 refugee generation, the recent violence is a painful reminder of their own loss, further eroding their sense of stability and hope.

While the resilience of these communities is inspiring, it is clear that more needs to be done to address their mental health needs. The international community must prioritize both immediate humanitarian aid and long-term solutions to ensure that future generations do not inherit the same burdens. Only through sustained efforts can we begin to heal the wounds of the past and offer these refugees a brighter, more secure future.

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