The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term impact of a group crisis intervention for children aged 9–15 years from five refugee camps in the Gaza Strip during ongoing conflict. Children were selected if they reported moderate to severe post-traumatic stress reactions, and were allocated to group intervention, encouraging expression of experiences and emotions through storytelling, drawing, free play and role-play; education about symptoms or no intervention. No significant impact of the group intervention was established on children’s post-traumatic or depressive symptoms. Possible explanations of the findings are discussed, including the continuing exposure to trauma and the non-active nature of the intervention.

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