Sectoral challenges and negative feelings experienced by Palestinians with disability in besieged Gaza during COVID-19 pandemic

Trying to contribute in promoting social justice, equity and equality in inclusive society, this study explored intersectoral challenges and negative feelings experienced by Palestinians with disability during COVID-19 pandemic in besieged and conflict-stricken Gaza, Palestine. It involved two focus group discussions and six individual interviews that included 45 participants, mainly university students with different disabilities and intersectoral stakeholders representing 15 governmental and non-governmental institutions concerned with policies and practices in education, health and socio-economic sectors. The thematic analysis of the results revealed 22 sectoral challenges and also 16 interrelated negative feelings and emotions caused by these challenges. These findings were discussed in light of pre-existing contextual realities that Palestinians with disability were living through tripled burden contextual realities: COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged siege and 11-day aggression on Gaza. The discussion and conclusion argued for adopting ethical and human right approach that 'leaves no one behind' in all life domains.