The recent escalation of violence and military activity in the Gaza Strip in the Occupied Palestinian Territories led to the temporary closure of Islamic Relief’s Integrated Care Programme for Traumatised Children (ICPTC).
The ICPTC centre in El Bureij refugee camp remained closed for nine days to ensure the safety of both children and staff.
Increased Violence
There was intense shelling in residential areas in the Gaza Strip during the week, resulting in multiple deaths and the destruction of dozens of homes.
Operations in Islamic Relief’s main office in Gaza City, and two branches in Jenin and Bethlehem were also slightly affected but managed to continue as normal for most of the time.
All travel plans to the area by Islamic Relief staff at UK Headquarters were put on hold.
Trauma Centre
Established in 2001, the Care Program for Traumatised Children is currently supporting 166 children in the Bureij and Nusseirat refugee camps and the El Mughraqa area.
The ICPTC has helped children such as 14-year-old orphan Mahmoud El-Melahee whose leg was amputated after he was shot by a high-velocity bullet. Staff have helped him re-adjust to living with a disability, and helped him through the fear and anger he experienced after the horrific incident.
Islamic Relief will be keeping you up-to-date with the latest news from our Palestine office.