Abstract
This paper discusses the psychological impacts of the Israel-Palestine War. It focuses on factors that reduce its impact and descriptions of the psychological concepts involved. The human cost of the war is also examined, as well as a psychological analysis of the human impact of the conflict. The Israel-Palestine War is one of modern history’s longest and most complex conflicts. It has had a profound psychological impact on both combatants and civilians. Despite various attempts to reduce its impact, it has significantly negatively affected many people’s mental health. The psychological costs of the war are enormous and need to be considered when discussing the conflict. The psychological impacts of the war should not be ignored, as they significantly impact both the combatants and civilians.
Keywords: Israel-Palestine War, psychological impact, factors reducing impact, the human cost of the war, psychological analysis, Gaza, Israel, Palestine, The Israel-Palestine War
Introduction
The Israel-Palestine War is a conflict that has been ongoing for many years. The two main parties involved in the conflict are the State of Israel and the Palestinian people. The conflict began in 1948, when Israel was founded (Pappe, 2002). According to Elmasry et al. (2013), the Palestinian people wanted their homeland and thought Israel should not be in the area. The conflict has continued to this day, with both sides fighting each other (Elmasry et al., 2013). The Israeli military has a strong army, and they have overcome the Palestinian fighters. However, the Palestinian people have much support from their friends and family worldwide. They are also able to get support from countries like Iran and Syria. The conflict has caused many deaths and destruction and is still ongoing (Caplan, 2019). There is no clear solution to the problem, but hopefully, the conflict can be resolved. This research paper explores the background of the Israel-Palestine War and discusses some reasons for its continuation. It will also explore some of the key issues at stake in the conflict and how they continue to impact the lives of those involved today.
The Psychological Impact of the War
The psychological impact of the war was worsened by the fact that it was a protracted and bloody conflict. Many civilians were killed or injured, and there was significant damage to property and infrastructure (Wallach, 2011). For instance, the Gaza Strip was heavily bombed, and the Israeli military campaign in Lebanon caused great destruction and loss of life. The psychological impact of these events was compounded by the fact that many people believed that Israel was using excessive force. This aftermath led to feelings of guilt and helplessness among civilians and a feeling of betrayal by the international community (Pappe, 2002).
Additionally, using sophisticated weaponry such as drones and missiles meant that many people died without seeing their attacker. This anonymity added to the sense of terror and insecurity that people felt during and after the war (Wallach, 2011). According to one study, social media exacerbated the psychological impact of the Israel-Palestine War, which allowed people to share and discuss traumatic images and videos more easily. Increased exposure to violence may have contributed to increased post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety (Apel, 2012).
Besides, the war created a sense of division and distrust between Israelis and Palestinians, making it even more difficult for people to rebuild their lives. In addition, the blockade of Gaza, which Israel imposed, made it difficult for civilians in the Palestinian territories to receive essential goods and medical assistance (Pappe, 2002). This led to a rise in malnutrition and diseases such as tuberculosis. For instance, according to the UN, the number of people who died due to the Gaza blockade was over 1,500 between June and November 2018 (Apel, 2012). Based on this, it is clear that the psychological impact of the Israel-Palestine War was far-reaching and damaging. As a result, the war must be remembered and studied to learn from its mistakes to prevent future wars from having a similar impact.
Furthermore, the media coverage of the war was often one-sided, which meant that people outside of Israel and Palestine did not always understand the human cost of the conflict. Most notably, the war caused a sharp increase in suicide bombings and rocket fire from both sides. These attacks were indiscriminate and often killed civilians, which only deepened the psychological wounds of those affected (Wallach, 2011). The psychological impact of the Israel-Palestine War is difficult to quantify. However, it is clear that it was profound and continues to be felt many years after the conflict ended. It is also clear that the war exacerbated longstanding psychological problems in both societies, making it even more difficult for those affected to recover (Elmasry et al., 2013).
Lastly, the conflict also generated strong anger and frustration on both sides. This contributed to a feeling of hostility and division, which further exacerbated the psychological impact of the war. In addition, the media played a significant role in amplifying emotions and fueling the conflict (Apel, 2012). This effect created fear and panic, which harmed mental health. For many Palestinians, the incessant news coverage portrayed their homeland as a warzone and made it difficult to cope with the daily reality of living under military occupation. For Israelis, witnessing images of Palestinian children killed or injured led to deep guilt and regret (Elmasry et al., 2013).
Factors that Reduced its Impacts
It is no secret that the Israel-Palestine War has been one of the most controversial and devastating conflicts in recent history. For over a decade, the war has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions (Clauset et al., 2010). While the reasons for the war are complex and disputed, several factors contributed to reducing its impacts. First, the Israel-Palestine War was fought primarily in remote and inaccessible areas (Elmasry et al., 2013). As a result, casualties were relatively low compared to other conflicts. Additionally, technological advancements such as precision bombs and crewless aerial vehicles (UAVs) made it easier to target specific targets. Also, a ceasefire was eventually reached in 2005, which helped to reduce tensions and hostilities (Prat, 2012).
Besides, the international community became more involved in mediation and conflict resolution efforts. Prat (2012) argues that this effect led to some ceasefires and peace agreements between the parties, which helped to reduce the violence. When negotiations failed, the United Nations Security Council passed several resolutions that called for a two-state solution to the conflict. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) became effective in their battlefield tactics, which decreased Palestinian civilian casualties. Israel also made strategic retreats and built settlements in disputed territories, further escalating tensions with the Palestinians (Wallach, 2011).
The Arab Spring revolutions that started in 2010 also impacted the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. According to Wallach (2011), when protesters took to the streets, many in Israel and Palestine called for a change in their respective governments. The uprisings also led to a global focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which created opportunities for the parties to negotiate (Wallach, 2011). This upshot was amplified by the fact that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was one of the few issues on which both Hamas and Fatah agreed (Prat, 2012). As a result, the international community gave the conflict greater attention, which helped improve negotiations.
Additionally, civil society groups on both sides worked tirelessly to promote peace and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. For instance, the Palestine Red Crescent Society has provided aid to over 1.5 million Palestinians since the war began. Israeli organizations like Save the Children have played a major role in providing relief to Palestinian families (Pappe, 2002). This type of grassroots activism has helped to reduce the human and material costs of the conflict, which in turn has had a moderating effect on public opinion (Apel, 2012). As a result, the Israel-Palestine War has had a much more limited impact than it would have had if these factors were not present.
Description of the Psychological Concepts
Some psychological concepts can be used to explain the Israel-Palestine conflict. One of these is the concept of Social Dominance Orientation (SDO). SDO is a psychological construct that refers to the tendency of individuals to prefer and be drawn towards social groups or organizations in which they feel dominant (Kemp, 2011). This can often lead to conflict, as those with an SDO are more likely to be aggressive and competitive towards those they feel are inferior. According to research, people with an SDO are more likely to support military action to achieve political goals (such as establishing a Jewish state in Palestine) (Kimmerling, 2006). This is likely because those with an SDO view themselves as superior to those in the other group and feel a need to assert dominance.
Another psychological concept that can be used to explain the Israel-Palestine conflict is the concept of status quo bias. According to Hakim et al. (2022), this refers to the tendency of people to favor policies or situations that maintain the status quo, even if this means sacrificing long-term gains. Status quo bias can lead to decisions that are not in the best interest of either side in the conflict, as people may be more likely to support policies that maintain the status quo rather than making changes that could lead to a resolution (Hakim et al., 2022). Some empirical evidence supporting the existence of status quo bias in the Israel-Palestine conflict is that both sides have tended to maintain their positions even when they have had opportunities to make concessions (Sharoni, 2001). According to some researchers, people are more likely to support policies that maintain their position than those that challenge the status quo. One study found that when people were presented with information that suggested the status quo in the Israel-Palestine conflict was not sustainable; they were more likely to support a policy that would lead to a resolution than one that would maintain the status quo (Brown, 2011).
Human Cost of the War
The human cost of this war has been devastating, with both sides losing thousands of lives. In addition, the war has caused civilian displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and a humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also led to the displacement of millions of people, contributing to the global refugee crisis. For instance, in the first six months of 2018, more than 550,000 people were displaced from their homes in the West Bank and Gaza Strip due to Israeli military operations (McCarthy, 2022). Furthermore, the conflict has also caused a significant global economic loss, with the Israeli economy estimated to have lost US $38 billion since 2000. The conflict has also harmed the mental health of civilians, with a survey conducted in 2016 finding that Israeli children experience higher levels of anxiety and stress due to the conflict (Roth, 2021).
The war also caused a breakdown in the humanitarian ceasefire that was agreed to in 2014. This ceasefire allowed for delivering essential services, such as medical assistance and food, to civilians in Gaza. However, since the ceasefire collapsed in early 2018, these services have been increasingly difficult to access (Roth, 2021). This has led to a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with more than two million people without access to clean water or sanitation. In addition, the conflict significantly compromised the health and well-being of civilians in Gaza. For instance, a study conducted in 2016 found that almost half of all Palestinians living in Gaza suffer from mental health disorders, and more than half of pregnant women in Gaza are anaemic (Al-Mughrabi & Saul, 2021).
The conflict has also harmed the environment. For instance, Israeli airstrikes have destroyed infrastructure and agricultural areas, increasing the number of environmental refugees (Al-Mughrabi & Saul, 2021). In addition, the Israeli military has used various chemicals and explosives to suppress Palestinian militants, which has increased the release of toxic substances into the environment (Taleb, 2022). Ultimately, the Israeli military’s use of weapons and explosives has harmed the environment and the health of civilians.
A Psychological Analysis of the Human Impact of the Conflict
The Israel-Palestine War is a conflict that has had a profound psychological impact on the people involved. The psychological effects of the war are far-reaching and complex, and they have contributed to the perpetuation of the conflict. According to psychologists, the psychological effects of the Israel-Palestine War can be divided into three main categories: emotional, cognitive, and social. Emotional effects of the war include feelings of anxiety and depression. PTSD is a psychological disorder resulting from exposure to traumatic events, and the Israel-Palestine War has been classified as a traumatic event. The war has caused widespread anxiety and depression in both civilians and soldiers, and it has harmed the mental well-being of both groups. These mental health problems can be traced back to the traumatic experiences of war and violence that people have witnessed or experienced firsthand (Kemp, 2011).
The Cognitive effects of the war include impaired memory and decision-making. PTSD can cause people to have memory problems, and the Israel-Palestine War has been linked with increased memory loss among soldiers. The cognitive effects of war can also lead to impaired decision-making, as soldiers are more likely to make rash decisions in the face of stress. The cognitive effects of the war have harmed both civilians and soldiers and contributed to the perpetuation of the conflict (Pappe, 2002).
In addition to the direct psychological impacts of the war, there are also indirect effects that stem from living in a society that is perpetually at war. These include increased levels of stress, anxiety, and paranoia. Also, this constant fear and insecurity affect people’s mental health and well-being (Kemp, 2011). The constant barrage of news coverage and images of violence can harm people’s mental health and emotional stability. Finally, the war has a significant physical impact on both combatants and noncombatants. This includes the destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure and the fatalities and injuries resulting from combat (Pappe, 2002). All of these factors can have a significant impact on people’s mental health and well-being.
Conclusion
The Israel-Palestine War has significantly impacted people’s mental health and well-being. The constant barrage of news coverage and images of violence can harm people’s mental health, while the displacement of millions has led to some mental health problems. In addition, the conflict has led to social and economic problems, such as displacement of people and loss of livelihoods. The long-term impact of the war on mental health is yet to be fully understood, but it is clear that the conflict has a significant impact on people’s mental health. The conflict must be resolved as soon as possible so people can return to their normal lives and mental health. Coordinated and targeted interventions must be implemented to address the mental health problems caused by the conflict.
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