UNRWA HQ in Gaza
UNRWA HQ in GazaFlash 90

Gazan mental health experts are claiming that the Israeli blockade on Gaza is causing more cases of mental health disorders in the populace due to the unemployment rate and the continued degradation of the local economy.  

The head of the department for the development of health in the Gaza Health Ministry, Hashim al-Mudlal, told the Palestine news paper that statistics are showing a rise in the number of people who are requesting mental health services in the various clinics around Gaza. Among the symptoms that are being described to health workers are hypertension, lack of urinary control, and mental disturbances. According to al-Mudlal the proper medical treatment for these cases is to remove the Israeli blockade of the area.  

Rasha al-Jadbara who heads the health division of UNRWA told the paper that approximately one third of the Palestinian "refugees" complain of "mental health and social behavior disorders". According to al-Jadbara this number applies to 400,000 people who receive treatment at the 21 UNRWA facilities spread throughout Gaza.