Colonial Oppression and Trauma in Palestine: A Qualitative Exploration of the Palestinians’ Experience

The socio-political landscape of the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) and historical Palestine has been profoundly shaped by Israeli settler colonialism, characterised by systematic policies aimed at displacing Palestinians and asserting Israeli dominance. This historical and ongoing colonial violence, dating back to the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 military occupation, has resulted in severe psychological impacts on Palestinians, including high prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. This study investigates the interplay between colonial oppression and the psychological well-being of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank through semi-structured interviews with 30 Palestinians from eight camps. The themes collectively echo the devastating consequences of Israeli policies on the health and well-being of the participants. The findings reveal the detrimental effects of Israeli policies, such as forced displacement, movement restrictions, and human rights violations, on Palestinian lives. Continuous psychological trauma is reported, with an escalation in violence reported after October 7th, 2023. A comprehensive approach that considers social, political, environmental, and economic factors is crucial for effectively supporting the well-being of Palestinian communities under occupation. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how colonial practices impact mental health and highlights the importance of addressing underlying systemic oppression to foster resilience and well-being among Palestinians. The study underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the systemic injustices faced by Palestinians.