27 April 2017
The latest infographic from Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) demonstrates some of the ways 50 years of occupation is impacting the mental health and quality of life of Palestinians.
This infographic was released as part of Chapter 3 of our 'Health Under Occupation' report series, which you can read here.
The UN Special Rapporteur for the Right to Health recently stated:
Palestinians in the West Bank are exposed to regular and often deadly violence, constituting direct risks of psychological trauma and negative mental health outcomes among the population.
In Gaza, frequent, large-scale Israeli military offensives have caused mass casualties and heavy damage to civilian infrastructure, exposing the entire population to traumatic events.
The presence of an occupying military force can be particularly damaging to the mental wellbeing of children.
500-700 Palestinian children are detained and prosecuted in Israeli military courts each year. Three out of four detained children experience physical violence during arrest, transfer or interrogation. Arrest and detention can have serious repercussions for long-term psychological wellbeing, including stress, anxiety, depression, attentional and educational difficulties.
2016 had the highest rate of demolitions in seven years. 1,094 Palestinians structures and homes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, were demolished or seized by Israeli authorities. This resulted in 1,601 Palestinians being displaced from their homes and 7,101 livelihoods destroyed.
Demolitions cause personal insecurity, trauma and suffering amongst Palestinians.
The blockade and closure of Gaza exposes Palestinians to stress, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. 80% of people in Gaza are dependent on some form of aid and 40% live below the poverty line. The unemployment rate in Gaza is amongst the highest in the world, at 42%.
MAP is calling on Governments like the UK to take action to ensure Israel meets its legal obligations as the occupying power, not only to respect the right of Palestinians to live with health and dignity by refraining from actions which undermine their physical and psychological well-being, but to facilitate conditions that promote good health.
This infographic was produced as part of Chapter 3 of our ‘Health Under Occupation’ briefing series, which MAP is releasing to mark the 50th anniversary of Israel’s military occupation of the occupied Palestinian territory. You can read the first three briefings below.
Health Under Occupation, Chapter 1: Access to Healthcare
Health Under Occupation, Chapter 2: Protection for Healthcare
Health Under Occupation, Chapter 3: Mental Health and Quality of Life
This year, Palestinians are demanding their rights to #HealthAndDignity. Find out how you can support their call, and take action: