Presentation of Médecins du Monde’s Latest Report: Psychological Harm of the Israeli Military Occupation on Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank
© MdM
Médecins du Monde’s new report documents the psychological violence produced by the Israeli military occupation on Palestinian refugees across eight camps in the West Bank. During this event, the report’s findings will be presented and discussed by Hunaida Iseed – Mental Health and Psychosocial Support officer for Médecins du Monde, based in Bethlehem, Cécile Marquerie – Advocacy Coordinator for Médecins du Monde in Palestine –, and Hortense Devalière – Head of Palestine Programmes.
Médecins du Monde has released a new report documenting the psychological impact of the Israeli military occupation on Palestinian refugees across eight camps in the West Bank. Drawing on clinical practice, quantitative health-program data, and firsthand testimonies, the report shows how repeated, escalating and chronic exposure to violence produces profound mental-health consequences. It highlights patterns of constant vigilance, persistent anticipation of death, deep feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness, and significant disruptions to daily functioning. The findings underline a pervasive form of psychological torment that shapes everyday life for refugees living under long-term occupation.
Thursday, 11 December 2025
17:00–18:30
University of Lausanne, Geopolis Building, Room 2207
Admission: Free, online registration required
Presentation in English
An event in partnership with UNIL and CLADS
About the Presentation
The session will offer an in-depth look at the report’s methodology, evidence, and conclusions. It will also open space for discussion on the broader implications for public health, humanitarian practice, and long-term psychological resilience in contexts of sustained political violence.
Presenter
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Hunaida Iseed
Hunaida Iseed is the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Officer for Médecins du Monde Switzerland, based in Bethlehem. A mental-health professional with more than twenty years of experience in clinical psychology and humanitarian work, she coordinates psychosocial programs in East Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, and vulnerable areas such as Masafer Yatta. She played a central role in the data collection for the report. Hunaida is also President of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association in Palestine and co-founder of the “Bekafe” movement against domestic violence. Her work is grounded in promoting psychosocial well-being rooted in social justice, resilience, and human rights.
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Cécile Marquerie
Cécile Marquerie served as Advocacy Coordinator for Médecins du Monde in Palestine from September 2023 to July 2025, based in Ramallah. She previously worked in coordination and advocacy for UNRWA and later for a Palestinian grassroots movement, spending three years living in the occupied West Bank. For the report, she oversaw the coordination of data collection, data analysis, and drafting. Since September 2025, she has been Advocacy Lead at the French NGO Platform for Palestine, in Paris.
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Hortense Devalière
Hortense Devalière is Head of Palestine Programmes for Médecins du Monde Switzerland, based in Neuchâtel. She holds a master’s degree in International Humanitarian Action and began her humanitarian career in 2009 in the Central African Republic. With fifteen years of field experience, she has worked in contexts of armed conflict (Colombia, DRC, Palestine), humanitarian crises (Philippines, Calais), and development settings (Peru, Rwanda). She currently oversees MdM Switzerland’s operations in Palestine, drawing on expertise built across multiple organizations. After spending a year in Nablus as Field Coordinator, she continues to deepen her understanding of the region’s specific humanitarian challenges.
