RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- Dozens of women have died from heart attacks in the Gaza Strip due to fear and panic caused by Israel’s attacks. When the Israeli army resumed its attacks on March 18, 2025, Haya Murtaja, 26-year-old journalist and voice artist, suffered from a heart attack in fear of the Israeli airstrikes.  She was transferred to a hospital. After 10 days in the hospital, she passed away, leaving her two children, Sham and Maryam, behind.

Known across Gaza for her work on children’s programs with UNRWA TV, she also had a YouTube channel, offering children educational and entertaining cartoons.

Her journey of displacement…

When Israel started its war on the Gaza Strip in 2023, Haya Murtaja was displaced from Gaza City to Rafah, and then to Nuseirat and other places. When the ceasefire came into effect on January 19, she returned to her home, in the Al-Nasr neighborhood in Gaza City destroyed by Israeli airstrikes.

However, the Israeli army resumed its attacks on March 18, 2025, shattering the ceasefire. It launched airstrikes on Gaza City. Haya Murtaja was afraid of the sounds of explosions caused by the airstrikes. She died from a heart attack due to the fear caused by the Israeli airstrike.

Haya Murtaja is not the only one to have suffered a heart attack due to the brutal attacks of Israel on the Gaza Strip. Dozens, such as Suad Skeik, Fatima Kariri, Marah Awida, Wafaa Abu Al-Rous, have died of heart attacks due to fear and panic caused by the Israeli airstrikes.

‘People die from fear’

“People die from fear caused by the intense Israeli airstrikes,” said Suha Shaat, a doctor in Gaza. “Palestinian women have died from hunger and fear. They have been killed in airstrikes. A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is reduced or cut off. Palestinian women have died from fear caused by the Israeli airstrikes.”

Suha Shaat also gave heart attack first aid information. “When people, especially women, have severe panic attacks, the first thing that should be done is to calm them down and prevent the fear that could cause them to lose consciousness. If possible, take them to another location, speaking with them about various topics.”

Suha Shaat thinks that women in wars and conflict zones need safe spaces without fear and anxiety. “Palestinian women need safe spaces and psychological support to overcome the trauma suffered by them.”

She called on international organizations to prioritize establishing rehabilitation centers for Palestinian women. “We still maintain our hope that wars will end in the world and all women will live in peace.”