Al-Israa University Strengthens Its International Research Presence Through Studies on the Health, Environmental, and Humanitarian Impacts of the War on Gaza
Gaza – Public Relations
Al-Israa University has strengthened its international research presence through the participation of a number of its researchers in multidisciplinary scientific studies examining the health, environmental, and humanitarian impacts of the war on the Gaza Strip. The studies were published in reputable, peer-reviewed international scientific journals, reflecting the university’s growing engagement with research issues of priority to Palestinian society.
The studies addressed a range of issues related to the consequences of the war, including the health effects of biomass use and alternative fuels amid the energy crisis; the impact of wars and armed conflicts on air pollution and environmental health; the effects of war and destruction on biodiversity and ecosystems; as well as the relationship between household hunger and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among the population of the Gaza Strip.
These studies reflect a research-oriented approach to documenting the direct and indirect consequences of the war from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective, bringing together the fields of public health, environmental health, pollution, biodiversity, food security, and mental health. They provide scientific evidence that can contribute to recovery and reconstruction efforts and support the development of future policies.
A number of researchers from Al-Israa University participated in this research activity, including Dr. Abdel Fattah Qarman, Dr. Maher Al-Bayoumi, Dr. Ahmed Hassan Al-Balbeisi, and Dr. Nour Al-Din Al-Bayoumi, in collaboration with researchers and academic institutions from Palestine, Malaysia, Iran, and other countries.
The research works were published in reputable, peer-reviewed international scientific journals indexed in recognized global databases, reflecting the quality of the research outputs and the significance of the topics addressed. These publications also contribute to strengthening Al-Israa University’s presence within the international research and scholarly publishing community.
Dr. Abdel Fattah Qarman, Dean of Scientific Research and Libraries at Al-Israa University, emphasized that this research activity reflects the university’s commitment to supporting researchers and encouraging them to engage in local and international research groups, while linking scientific research to the real challenges facing Palestinian society.
Dr. Qarman stated that expanding collaboration with international researchers and academic institutions is one of the key priorities pursued by the Deanship of Scientific Research and Libraries, given its role in enhancing the quality of scientific production, strengthening the university’s international presence, and creating broader opportunities for researchers to participate in multidisciplinary studies with scientific and societal impact.
He added that the university will continue to support research that contributes to documenting the health, environmental, and humanitarian consequences of the war on the Gaza Strip, including its impacts on air quality, public health, mental health, food security, biodiversity, and ecosystems. This will help maximize the contribution of scientific research findings to sustainable recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Concluding these research achievements, Professor Dr. Alaa Matar, President of Al-Israa University, affirmed that Al-Israa University continues to demonstrate its ability to lead and excel despite all challenges and difficulties.
Prof. Dr. Matar added: “This distinguished international research presence of our researchers is a message of determination and knowledge that has emerged from the heart of the suffering in Gaza, telling the story of our people’s resilience through the language of science and rigorous research. Scientific research, he stressed, is a fundamental pillar of reconstruction and recovery.”
He concluded: “We will continue, with all the resources available to us, to support the advancement of academic research and expand the horizons of international cooperation in order to shed light on our just national causes and develop sustainable scientific solutions for the future of our society.”
Key Studies Published in This Context
- Biomass use and its health effects among a sample of the Palestinian community during the war 2023–2025
A study examining biomass use and its health effects among a sample of the Palestinian community during the 2023–2025 war. - War and air pollution: a scoping review of evidence, mechanisms, and knowledge gaps
A scientific review examining the evidence, mechanisms, and knowledge gaps related to the relationship between wars and air pollution. - Household hunger and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among online survey respondents in Gaza during the 2023–2025 war: a cross-sectional study
A study examining the relationship between household hunger and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among participants in an online survey in the Gaza Strip during the 2023–2025 war.
These contributions form part of Al-Israa University’s broader research activity focusing on the impacts of the war on health, the environment, biodiversity, and Palestinian society. They reflect the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research related to national and humanitarian issues, expanding its international academic partnerships, and producing scientific knowledge that can contribute to understanding the consequences of war and supporting pathways toward recovery and reconstruction.