Faith, community, and resilience during genocide in Gaza

'Gazacide', following the events of 7 October 2023, has deepened trauma and exacerbated the severe dispossession and exploitation faced by Palestinians. Positive religious coping, particularly within the Islamic faith, and social support are crucial for alleviating the impacts of traumatic experiences and fostering psychological adjustment. Thirty participants, 17 females and 13 males, were recruited via snowball sampling to examine the role of these factors in Gaza. Interviews were scrutinised using thematic analysis, leading to the identification of six main themes: (i) the role of religion in providing psychological resilience; (ii) religious leaders as pillars of support; (iii) the role of social support networks in strengthening community resilience; (iv) the strain of overcrowding and displacement on social cohesion; (v) challenges of supporting vulnerable populations through religion and community; and (vi) rebuilding trust and hope amid displacement and genocide. Religious leaders and social support institutions play a vital part in promoting positive coping strategies, aiding individuals in understanding these experiences.