The Psychological War on Palestine: An Interview with Dr Samah Jabr
In our recent conversation with Dr Samah Jabr, a Palestinian psychiatrist and psychotherapist, we explored the psychological tactics employed by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Dr Jabr, who chairs the Mental Health Unit at the Palestinian Ministry of Health, provided critical insight into how these strategies are designed to break the Palestinian spirit and erode their sense of dignity.
The Weaponisation of Psychological Warfare
Dr Jabr highlighted that the Israeli occupation has long used psychological warfare to control and oppress Palestinians. From acts of humiliation to open displays of violence, the goal is to instil fear and submission. What was once carried out in secrecy—such as sexual violence and extreme dehumanisation—has now become brazen and unapologetic.
“These are not new tactics,” she explained. “What is new is that they are being done shamelessly and openly, without fear of accountability.” This shift reflects the deepening brutality of the occupation, as well as a growing confidence that the international community will not intervene.
Dr Jabr also pointed out that these forms of psychological violence are not unique to Israel but are common in colonial regimes throughout history. “Whenever there is a confrontation between the colonised and the coloniser, the coloniser is ready to be brutal, aggressive, extremely violent,” she said, drawing parallels between Palestine and other historical struggles against oppression.
The Mental Toll on Palestinians
The relentless bombardment of Gaza and the increasing violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem have had devastating effects on Palestinian mental health. Dr Jabr described the profound anxiety that now grips these regions, as many fear they will suffer the same fate as Gaza.
“If they manage to do that in Gaza and the world fails to stop them, why wouldn’t they repeat the same thing in the West Bank or in Jerusalem?” she asked. The sense of abandonment by the global community adds to the despair, reinforcing the psychological trauma inflicted by the occupation.
As the Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr Jabr has been leading efforts to respond to these crises. She works with various stakeholders and NGOs to provide mental health support, but the situation remains dire. “It is very frustrating because there is so little we can do under these conditions,” she admitted. With hospitals under attack, access to essential mental health services is severely limited.
Starvation, Trauma and Resilience
Beyond the direct violence, Dr Jabr discussed the deliberate starvation of Palestinians, the destruction of the health sector, and the long-term impact of continuous exposure to trauma. These systematic tactics are designed to weaken Palestinian resilience, yet the people continue to resist.
Despite the immense suffering, Dr Jabr emphasised the unwavering spirit of the Palestinian people. “There is no other population that has suffered so much yet remains so determined to survive with dignity,” she said.
Our discussion with Dr Jabr was a sobering reminder that the Palestinian struggle is not just about land and politics—it is also a battle for mental and emotional survival. The occupation does not only seek to control territory but also minds. Yet, even in the face of this psychological war, Palestinians continue to endure, resisting not just with their bodies but with their very sense of self.
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