Gaza Children Find Escape in Virtual Worlds

Children in Gaza are finding an innovative escape from the harsh realities of war through virtual reality therapy. In a small office, therapists use VR headsets to guide children through immersive experiences, offering a respite from the destruction and trauma they have endured. This technology allows them to explore new environments, interact with virtual elements, and engage in therapeutic exercises.

One seven-year-old girl, Razan, injured by shrapnel, experienced nightmares and trauma but began to improve with VR sessions. Similarly, teenagers Ahmad and Amjad, who survived an airstrike that destroyed their home and caused severe injuries, find that VR helps them cope with the immense pressure of war.

The VR sessions are part of a project by TechMed Gaza, which has helped around 180 children. Lama Abu Dalal from TechMed Gaza notes that the therapy has shown remarkable results, with some children overcoming psychological barriers to take their first steps. However, the project is severely limited by a lack of equipment, with no replacement parts or new headsets able to enter Gaza due to closed crossings.

This critical work continues amidst ongoing instability, with a fragile ceasefire in place. While VR offers a temporary escape, the children's physical and psychological recovery remains a slow process, with many needing further medical treatment abroad, a possibility that is difficult to access for families in Gaza.