The Living Conditions of Palestinian Families in UNRWA Shelters After 2014 Israeli Aggression on Gaza

Abstract

This study aims to investigate some of the difficulties, problems and living conditions perceived by families living in shelter centers in schools of international relief agency. Researchers used descriptive analytical approach in their case study. The study sample consisted of 13 families residing in the Elzaytoon male elementary school 'b' in Tel al Hawa district. It held in-depth interviews with families to know the living conditions in details. Also six news reporters were included in interviews that witnessed the events. The results concerning the place of living and its materials indicated that the living conditions were difficult; each family was living in one classroom in the school not intended for living. In regard to the economic aspect, results confirmed that inhabitants were jobless with no income. On the psychological aspect of displaced persons and their descendants, results showed that their sons and wives suffered from various psychological problems such as the fear bedwetting and mental illness. As a result of this a large part of them had been transferred to psychological clinics. In regard of the social aspect, the majority of sample individuals confirmed that they do not have social relations with those around them; relations were confined within the school only. On political level, they had no hope in returning to their homes. Moreover, they believed that house reconstruction would be slow and it will take a long time.