Gaza Children VR Therapy: Healing War Trauma
- This article details a new initiative in Gaza utilizing virtual reality (VR) headsets to provide psychological support to children deeply affected by teh recent conflict.
- The program operates out of a white tent in al-Zawayda, central Gaza, and allows children - including those with physical disabilities like a boy in a wheelchair -...
- Fifteen-year-old Salah Abu Rukab, who sustained a head injury during the war, expressed his comfort and enjoyment of the VR experience, describing a world filled with trees, grass,...
Virtual Reality Offers Hope and Healing to Children in Gaza
This article details a new initiative in Gaza utilizing virtual reality (VR) headsets to provide psychological support to children deeply affected by teh recent conflict. Organizers report that this method is showing promising results, with faster improvements in psychological well-being compared to customary therapies.
The program operates out of a white tent in al-Zawayda, central Gaza, and allows children – including those with physical disabilities like a boy in a wheelchair – to immerse themselves in calming virtual environments. These environments feature green gardens, tranquil beaches, and safe cities, offering a stark contrast to the realities of their lives. Children react with joy and engagement,reaching out to interact with the virtual scenery,calling to virtual animals,and describing what they see.
Fifteen-year-old Salah Abu Rukab, who sustained a head injury during the war, expressed his comfort and enjoyment of the VR experience, describing a world filled with trees, grass, and flowers.
The initiative isn’t simply about escapism. Mental health supervisor Abdalla Abu Shamale explains that the VR programs are designed with specific therapeutic, preventative, and developmental goals. He highlights the program’s effectiveness after a year of working with children who have experienced trauma, including war-amputees and those injured during the conflict.
the article notes a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since October 10th. It also references the World Health Organization’s acknowledgement of the significant mental health toll conflict-related injuries take on survivors.
(Image Caption: A Palestinian child wearing goggles and holding a joy stick, experiences virtual reality as a medical technology support team launches an initiative in the city of al-Zawayda, central Gaza Strip, palestine, Nov. 30, 2025. (AFP photo))