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Published on: March 1, 2019
Lived Experiences of Palestinian Children Navigating Daily Life Under Curfews and Checkpoint Delays: A Qualitative
Ibrahim Aqtam1, Mustafa Shouli1, Saqer Al-Qoroum1
1Department of Nursing, Ibn Sina College for Health Professions, Nablus University for Vocational and Technical Education, Nablus, Palestinian Territory.
Abstract:
Palestinian children in the occupied Palestinian territory, specifically the West Bank, face unique challenges navigating daily life under military curfews and checkpoint delays. These experiences can significantly impact their physical, emotional, and social development, yet limited research has explored their lived experiences from their own perspectives. To explore the lived experiences of Palestinian children navigating daily life under curfews and checkpoint delays in the Nablus area, including the Old City, Huwara, and Balata refugee camp. This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study recruited 22 Palestinian children aged 8-17 years from the Nablus area. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions conducted in Arabic. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes in the children's experiences. Five major themes emerged: disrupted routines and educational access, including school delays and interrupted learning; psychological and emotional impacts, encompassing fear, anxiety, and trauma responses; social isolation and restricted mobility affecting peer relationships and community engagement; adaptive coping strategies developed by children to navigate restrictions; and resilience and hope showed despite challenging circumstances. Children described feeling trapped, fearful, and frustrated, yet also showed remarkable adaptability and determination to maintain normal childhood activities. Resilience was specifically observed through peer-created safe spaces, cultural identity maintenance, and community solidarity networks. Palestinian children in the Nablus area demonstrate remarkable resilience while facing significant daily challenges due to curfews and checkpoint delays. Their experiences highlight the urgent need for child-centered interventions, trauma-informed care, and advocacy for children's rights in conflict-affected areas. These findings inform healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers about the complex realities faced by Palestinian children.
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