The increase in the number of suicides in Palestine ..

The number of suicides in the West Bank increased by 14% last year compared to the previous year due to mental illnesses affecting people, especially the "depression", said Monday the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

Dr. Samah Jabr, head of the mental health unit at the Ministry of Health, said in a statement from the official agency "Wafa" that "the sensitivity and illegality of suicide make that this phenomenon is developing in the shadows and is difficult to reduce ".

Jaber added, "We are facing an increase in the suicide rate in Palestine, where statistics from the police research and planning department have shown that the number of cases in the West Bank has increased by 14% year-on-year. last compared to the previous year. ".

She called for "the introduction of courses on mental health and counseling in sharia faculties, to train religious scholars trained to provide psychological counseling and cope with life events and vicissitudes." of the human psyche with faith and in a scientific way ".

The highest percentage of people who committed suicide was in the 28 to 25 age group and accounted for 32%. Recorded cases.

"In Palestine, we lack direct lines to provide a suicide prevention intervention or to study and provide data on this phenomenon in order to conduct intensive research that will help us to find the best possible strategies to deal with it", said Jabr.