Contributor: Gaza remains a crisis of children's mental health - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Nisreen QawasFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A psychologist working in the West Bank recounts his harrowing experience trying to save a 5-year-old girl trapped in Gaza during intense conflict. The story of Hind Rajab, who was alone and terrified as Israeli tanks closed in, highlights the dire mental health crisis faced by children in Gaza due to prolonged trauma, violence, and instability. The article emphasizes the profound psychological toll on children forced to grow up in a war zone, where fear, loss, and displacement are constant companions.
The author reflects on his own childhood under similar circumstances, recognizing the enduring impact of such experiences. He points out that mental health services in Gaza are scarce and often inaccessible, leaving many children without the support they need to cope with their trauma. The situation is compounded by the lack of access to basic needs, schools, and healthcare, as infrastructure continues to be destroyed.
Since October 2023, at least 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza, with an average of 24 children per day—equivalent to an
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/15/2026