Novara Media Downstream: The IDF Killed My Entire Family, and the British Government Helped Them w/ Ahmed Alnaouq
Jun 10, 2025
Ahmed Alnaouq, a Palestinian journalist and author, shares his heart-wrenching story of losing 21 family members in an Israeli airstrike while he was in the UK. He discusses the deep emotional toll of war on mental health in Gaza and highlights the urgent need for mental health support. Alnaouq reflects on the significance of education and storytelling, particularly through the 'We Are Not Numbers' initiative, to foster resilience amid trauma. He draws parallels between the struggles in Gaza and apartheid South Africa, advocating for global solidarity.
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Chronic Trauma in Gaza
- Palestinians in Gaza suffer from chronic traumatic stress disorder, not PTSD, due to ongoing violence.
- The continuous trauma makes traditional therapy often ineffective or inadequate.
The Sea: Gaza’s Sanctuary
- Gaza’s sea offers a place of sanctuary and freedom amid siege and oppression.
- However, it is polluted due to blockade effects like sewage disposal and frequent attacks on fishermen.
Father’s Labor and Humiliation
- Ahmed’s father worked inside Israel but faced arbitrary imprisonment and humiliation.
- His father was told Palestinians were created as animals to serve Israelis, deepening personal and collective trauma.