Caritas Health Centre, Gaza, Palestine

In 2014 intensified conflict between Israel and Hamas led to another full-scale Gaza War – this one far deadlier than that of 2008–2009. By the time a ceasefire was agreed at the end of August, at least 324 Palestinian children had been killed, with an additional 2502 children wounded. There was widespread trauma, with many of the children suffering from PTSD, acute anxiety and insomnia.

In an attempt to help, Mandala Trust partnered with Irish Medical Aid for Palestinians (IMAP), who identified the Caritas Jerusalem Gaza Health Centre (CJGHC). The Centre guaranteed that all donations would go directly to supporting children and young people affected by the crisis.

CJGHC is located in the Beach Camp area of Gaza City – with around 80,000 inhabitants, one of the most populous areas in the Gaza Strip – and very close to the Jabalia Refugee Camp. As well as offering primary healthcare and an integrated medical programme to locals, the Centre is also the base of a mobile medical team which services Gaza’s most marginalised communities. The mobile unit visits Rafah, Amore, Imm Sadar, Magazi, Al Shati Camp and Breij Camp.

CJGHC provides much-needed psychological help to the victims of violence in Gaza, paying particular attention to children. They also provide leisure activities for children and young people. Through a mixture of fundraising and a grant, Mandala Trust was able to support the psychosocial aspect of the Centre’s work with children in Gaza.