For Abeer Hassan, caring for her autistic son Abdallah has become a dangerous challenge amid relentless Israeli airstrikes and gaza-videos/” title=”Israel Launches Intense Ground Invasion of … City (Videos)”>forced displacement in Gaza.
Published On 28 Sep 2025
In the midst of ongoing Israeli air raids and the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, the care of children with special needs has become increasingly hazardous.
Abeer Hassan, a mother in Deir el-Balah, shares how the constant barrage of explosions deeply unsettles her autistic son, Abdallah.
“When families began evacuating, we were also pressured to leave,” Hassan recounted. “Abdallah would watch the vehicles packed with fleeing people and return to our tent visibly distressed, communicating through sign language.”
Initially, they sought refuge at the Ameera displacement camp, but it was overcrowded and lacked space for their shelter.
“Eventually, we were directed to find shelter near Salah al-Din Street, despite the risks. My daughters and I were overwhelmed with tears, while Abdallah grew anxious, making unusual noises. The oppressive heat added to our despair, and we felt utterly lost,” she said.
Since the onset of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, the Israeli army has repeatedly ordered Palestinians to evacuate their homes, often directing them toward the southern al-Mawasi region, labeled a “safe zone.”
Yet, al-Mawasi itself has been subjected to frequent Israeli strikes, and many Palestinians fleeing Gaza City face an uncertain and perilous journey southward.
For Abdallah, the endless displacement orders and the constant noise of explosions have led to new coping behaviors, including wandering the streets and pulling at his hair. To prevent self-harm, his family has cut his hair short.
“I resumed giving him prescribed sleeping medication to keep him indoors during the scorching days. Beyond that, there’s little I can do. My phone, which helped soothe him with games and videos, broke just two days before we had to leave,” Hassan shared.
“The pressure weighed heavily on all of us, young and old alike. At one point, I prayed for us to be spared together so Abdallah wouldn’t face this alone. The resources he requires simply aren’t available here,” she added.
Over nearly two years of relentless conflict, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 66,005 fatalities and 168,162 injuries.
