VR headsets are providing injured, traumatised Palestinian youngsters some respite from hardship in war-torn Gaza.
Printed On 13 Dec 2025
Inside a makeshift tent within the coronary heart of the besieged Gaza Strip, Israel’s genocidal war, which has destroyed neighbourhoods, faculties and hospitals, decimated households and shattered lives for greater than two years, now not exists.
Digital actuality expertise is taking Palestinian youngsters battling bodily and psychological wounds to a world away, the place they will really feel secure once more.
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“After I used to be injured within the head, I attempt to neglect the ache,” Salah Abu Rukba, a Palestinian youngster participating within the classes, instructed Al Jazeera on the VR Tent in az-Zawayda, central Gaza.
“Once I placed on the headset, I neglect the harm. I really feel consolation as I neglect the destruction, the battle, and even the sound of the drones disappears.”
Lama Abu Dalal, communication officer at Gaza MedTech – the expertise initiative spearheading the undertaking – mentioned Abu Rukba and the others have fixed reminders of the battle etched of their our bodies.
However the VR headset makes them neglect their life-changing wounds and easily be youngsters once more, if just for just a few moments.
Gaza MedTech was launched by Palestinian innovator Mosab Ali, who used VR to consolation his injured son. Ali was later killed in an Israeli assault.
Research have confirmed that VR can have useful results within the remedy of psychological problems, together with post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD). Providing this service in Gaza is difficult to maintain, as spare elements of the gear are barred from entry into Gaza by Israel’s ongoing punishing blockade.
Since a ceasefire formally went into impact on October 10, Israel has allowed barely extra assist in, though far lower than Gaza’s wants and what the settlement clearly stipulated. Israel continues to limit the free move of humanitarian assist and medical provides.
Authorities in Gaza say the truce has been violated by Israel at the least 738 occasions since taking impact.
The United Nations estimates that greater than 90 p.c of kids in Gaza are displaying indicators of extreme stress pushed by the lack of security and stability, and would require long-term assist to heal from the psychological impact of the battle.
A number of UN our bodies, together with the World Well being Group (WHO), the UN humanitarian workplace OCHA, and unbiased UN specialists, have known as for speedy and unimpeded entry to Gaza for important medical gear and psychological assist.
