Children born in Gaza will face the lingering trauma of genocide as they grow up, shaping their future and potential.
In the troubled region of Gaza, a year-long conflict has claimed the lives of over 42,000 Palestinians, leaving behind a devastating humanitarian crisis that extends far beyond immediate casualties. The trauma of this ongoing genocide is not only impacting the present, but also the future, as research suggests that the health consequences could last for generations.
The constant exposure to violence, starvation, and deprivation in Gaza leads to severe maternal stress and malnutrition during pregnancy, which are known factors that impact fetal development. Pregnant women in the region report fear about the health and survival of their unborn babies due to hunger and lack of prenatal care. These extreme conditions can cause epigenetic modifications in the fetus, which may affect stress response, immune function, metabolism, and disease susceptibility later in life.
Epigenetic changes, chemical alterations to DNA and gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, could potentially impact subsequent generations, influencing their risk of chronic diseases, mental health disorders, and developmental problems. This perpetuates cycles of disadvantage and poor health in populations exposed to genocidal violence and ongoing humanitarian crises.
The psychosocial effects of the crisis are equally profound. Families and communities in Gaza are grappling with feelings of helplessness, grief, and fear, which exacerbate mental health burdens and influence health outcomes across generations. The survivors of the genocide are suffering from grief, shattered families, starvation, chronic traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and more.
The United Nations World Food Program has called the situation in Gaza a "full-blown famine", with nearly 60% of its buildings destroyed and 90% of its population displaced. The crisis is so severe that Juliette Touma, communications director for UNRWA, describes it as "the largest humanitarian crisis that this agency has been through".
Amidst this dire situation, there are efforts to protect future generations and improve humanitarian aid in Gaza. Roseboom is working to address these issues, as well as providing input during the consultation phase of the newly adopted U.N. Declaration on Future Generations. The Declaration aims to create an environment in which every human being can develop to their full potential.
However, the evidence for epigenetic inheritance of trauma in humans is weak due to ethical and logistical challenges in conducting controlled experiments. Nonetheless, studies have shown epigenetic inheritance of physical traits in mammals, providing a promising avenue for further research.
The conflict between Israel, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran has also escalated, resulting in over 1,400 deaths and displacement of a fifth of the population. The international community, including the U.S. and other allied nations, have called for a ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will continue the attacks "with all our might".
UNRWA's Touma urges politicians to reach a ceasefire, including the release of hostages, the resumption of humanitarian aid, and a peaceful solution to the decades-long conflict. As the crisis in Gaza continues, the world watches, hoping for a resolution that will bring an end to the suffering and a brighter future for all involved.
- The art of chronicling the plight of communities in distress, such as Gaza, is crucial for informing the general public and political leaders about the ongoing humanitarian crisis, which can lead to improvements in health-and-wellness and mental-health support.
- The magazine should feature stories about how science can help address the health implications of war-and-conflicts, including the epigenetic effects of chronic stress and malnutrition on future generations, as well as the impact of chronic diseases and mental-health disorders on community well-being.
- While the political landscape of the Middle East is fraught with complexity and conflict, it is essential that leaders in war-affected regions prioritize policies promoting health-and-wellness, including comprehensive prenatal care, mental-health services, and food security, to break the cycle of generational trauma caused by ongoing humanitarian crises.
- In light of the continued violence and instability in Gaza, it is crucial for the international community to provide medical-conditions aid and diplomatic pressure to facilitate a political resolution of the conflict, which could hasten the recovery of the area and improve the overall health of the population affected by chronic-diseases and mental-health disorders.
- As the world grapples with numerous challenges, such as war-and-conflicts, political instability, and mental-health crises, it is essential for communities and individuals to come together to promote health-and-wellness, offer support, and advocate for positive change in politics and science that prioritize the well-being of all people, regardless of their background or location.
