Several United Nations-run schools serving as shelters for displaced Palestinians have been hit by Israeli attacks in the last 10 days, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Since Israel began its war on Gaza on October 7, 120 of UNRWA’s educational institutions have been targeted. Families taking refuge in these overcrowded and unsanitary shelters face fatigue, trauma, and a lack of supplies. The schools offer a sense of protection under the UN flag, but face challenges in providing humanitarian aid due to restrictions on movement and limited supplies allowed into Gaza by the Israeli military.
For many Palestinians seeking refuge in UN schools, these spaces offer a relative sense of safety amidst ongoing conflict. However, the breakdown of law and order, as well as protracted forced displacement, have created difficult living conditions, with concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. The psychological impact of repeated displacements and the trauma of war is particularly severe on children, who are in urgent need of psychological support.
Despite these challenges, some find solace in being among others who have experienced similar traumas. However, the overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in the schools contribute to a sense of dehumanization and suffering. International organizations are working to provide aid and support to those living in UNRWA schools, but face obstacles in delivering supplies and maintaining the well-being of displaced Palestinians.
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