The Manifestations of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in the H2 Areas of Hebron City and its Impact on Livelihood and Health

Abstract

Political conflicts can have adverse effects on the lives of people. All aspects of life are affected such as access to health, education, economics, social well-being, and human rights. How political conflicts affect the mental and physical well-being of a community is particularly concerning. This study aimed at exploring the impact of the political conflict on families’ livelihood and health. We also explored the strategies the families use to cope in their environment. This research uses qualitative research methods to explore in depth the ways political conflicts impact the lives of residents in the H2 areas of Hebron city in Palestine. The research shows that mental health mediates the effects of violence on almost all other aspects of family life. Participants in this research emphasized the importance of social support from organizations, family members, neighbors, communities, and other regions in helping them persevere. In fact, one particular outcome of this research is that when faced with oppression from external and foreign powers, the oppressed communities tend to stick together and support each other to a greater extent than during times of peace. We termed this positive outcome of political violence as the separation oppression-unification theory to show how when one group separates itself and oppresses another group, members of the oppressed group tend to set aside their differences and stick together against their common oppressor by increasing social support and cohesion.