Autistic Children Suffer Unprecedented Toll in Gaza's Devastating Conflict

For Autistic Children, Israel's War on Gaza Brings Acute Suffering GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - As the Israeli military continues its bombardment of Gaza, families with autistic children are facing unprecedented challenges in caring for their loved ones. The relentless siege and restrictions imposed by Israel have made it extremely difficult for these families to access essential services, exacerbating the already dire situation. According to Abeer Hassan, a mother living in Deir el-Balah, her 7-year-old son Abdallah's autism has been severely exacerbated by the constant Israeli explosions. "He would come back to the tent very tense and nervous," she explained, adding that Abdallah would often watch cars filled with displaced families fleeing the area. The situation is further complicated by the lack of accessible healthcare services in Gaza. The territory's sole hospital, Al-Shifa Hospital, has been severely damaged in recent airstrikes, leaving many families without access to medical care for their autistic children. "We're doing our best to provide basic care, but it's not enough," said Dr. Mona al-Kurd, a pediatrician at the hospital. The Israeli military's actions have also disrupted the supply of essential medications and equipment needed to manage autism symptoms. "It's like they're intentionally targeting the most vulnerable members of society," said Hassan, who has been forced to ration her son's medication due to shortages. The global community has expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the situation is "catastrophic" and has called for an immediate ceasefire. "We're seeing a complete breakdown of essential services, including healthcare, education, and sanitation," said UNICEF spokesperson, Ramesh Shrestha. As the conflict continues, families with autistic children are struggling to cope with the trauma and stress caused by the war. Hassan's family has been forced to flee their home multiple times, leaving Abdallah feeling anxious and disoriented. "He doesn't understand what's happening," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. The international community is urging Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and allow for the safe passage of humanitarian aid. The United States, European Union, and other countries have condemned the Israeli military's actions and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the situation in Gaza remains dire, families like Hassan's are holding on to hope that the war will soon come to an end. "We just want peace," she said, her eyes filled with tears. "We want our children to be able to live without fear." Background: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with both sides claiming rights to the same land. The current escalation began in May 2021, when Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched rockets into Israel. In response, Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, leading to a significant increase in civilian casualties. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Samah Jabr, a psychologist specializing in autism, said that the war is having a devastating impact on children with autism. "They're experiencing trauma and anxiety at an unprecedented level," she warned. The Israeli government has maintained that its actions are necessary to protect its citizens from Hamas's rocket attacks. Current Status: The conflict continues, with both sides trading accusations of aggression. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands displaced and many more struggling to access basic necessities. Next Developments: The international community is expected to continue calling for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade on Gaza. The United States and European Union are scheduled to meet with Israeli officials to discuss a possible resolution to the conflict. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*