Impact of the War in Gaza: Many Children Lose the Ability to Speak Due to Trauma
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has caused immense suffering for civilians, especially children. In addition to visible physical injuries, many children are now experiencing severe psychological trauma. One of the most concerning impacts of this situation is the phenomenon where children suddenly lose their ability to speak.
Katrin Glatz Brubakk, a child psychotherapist, traveled to Gaza to provide medical assistance and psychological support. In her observations, she found many children who stopped speaking after witnessing violence, destruction, and the deaths of their family members. These horrific experiences have caused these children to withdraw from their surroundings.
According to mental health experts, this loss of speech is a form of the body's response to extreme stress. When a child continuously witnesses terrifying events, their brain can experience severe shock. This is often the body's natural way of protecting itself from unbearable emotional pain.
Current environmental conditions in Gaza also make the recovery process extremely difficult. Children must live among the ruins of buildings without any safe shelter. The frequent sound of explosions makes them feel constantly threatened, making it difficult for them to feel calm and begin communicating normally again.
This case shows that the impact of war does not only damage infrastructure but also destroys the mental health of future generations. Experts emphasize the importance of sustained psychological assistance to help Gaza's children heal from their trauma. Without proper support, the future of these children will continue to be overshadowed by deep fear.