A psychologist working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Hebron, West Bank, describes the intense fear and anxiety that have engulfed Palestinians following the events of 7 October 2023. While violence has long been a reality in the region, the recent escalation—including checkpoints, roadblocks, and incursions by Israeli forces and settlers—has isolated towns and villages, restricting access to essential services such as healthcare, markets, and schools. These measures have amplified the daily pressures and fears experienced by residents.
According to the psychologist, fear in Hebron is no longer just a background concern—it has become paralyzing. Many Palestinians are not only anxious about their safety but are actively preparing themselves for potential loss. Witnessing the devastation in Gaza has led people to contemplate the worst-case scenarios for themselves and their families, attempting to mentally prepare for death in a way that spares loved ones from suffering.
This pervasive dread has shifted focus from planning for the future to imagining the least painful way to die. There is a collective awareness that violence may soon reach their own communities, creating an undercurrent of anxiety that affects all aspects of daily life. People openly acknowledge the threat, feeling that an attack is inevitable and waiting for their turn.
In MSF clinics, mental health professionals are observing a sharp rise in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Men, particularly those who have lost their livelihoods, often express fear through physical complaints, such as stomach pain, reflecting the deep psychological impact of the crisis. Mothers, consumed by fear for their children, frequently report obsessive thoughts about ensuring their family’s safety in the event of an attack.
Even when mobile clinics are available, many residents are too frightened to seek help. Fear of crossing checkpoints or encountering violence outweighs the need for medical care, illustrating the profound effect of sustained insecurity. The unpredictability of raids, arrests, and violence has created a constant state of vigilance and readiness to flee or protect oneself.
The psychologist emphasizes that this is not a temporary crisis but a slow, generational trauma that erodes safety, dignity, and hope. The cumulative impact on mental health is profound, as Palestinians navigate a daily existence shaped by fear, uncertainty, and the anticipation of violence.
