BPS statement on conflict in the Middle East
The British Psychological Society is extremely saddened by continued catastrophic violence in the Middle East.
20 October 2023
The British Psychological Society is extremely saddened by the continued catastrophic violence in the Middle East and we are deeply concerned about both the immediate and long-term psychological impact of the Israel and Gaza conflict on civilians on both sides.
Amid reports of an unfolding humanitarian crisis, our thoughts are with all the victims, including children, their families and communities, as well as medical and aid workers who are working tirelessly to support them in such difficult circumstances.
The traumatic impact of war can have devastating long-term consequences on health and wellbeing.
The impact is also being felt here in the UK by concerned relatives with family and friends in the region, as well as those worried about the rippling effects of war elsewhere.
The BPS has been contacted by many members with strongly held, but differing opinions on whether the BPS should comment further on the wider political context surrounding the current conflict.
As psychologists, we cannot fail to be horrified by the human suffering and psychological impact on all civilians affected by the terrible conflict in Israel/Gaza.
As well as being a membership body, the BPS is a charity that exists to support psychology and our members and we are very much governed by our objects as set out in our charter.
As such, our role, in accordance with Charity Commission guidance, is to only undertake those activities that support the delivery of our objects.
This is why our statement focuses on our concern about the immediate and long-term psychological impact of the Israel and Gaza conflict on civilians on both sides.
While we understand the depth of feeling on this issue, we must remain focused on our core purpose, namely supporting psychology and our members to demonstrate the contribution that psychology can have in these challenging times, for example, by producing guidance such as helping children process the horrors of war.
We hope that this explains why the BPS has refrained, and will continue to do so, from commenting more widely on the conflict.
The BPS recognises members themselves may be affected by events in the Middle East or wish to contribute to the humanitarian efforts in the region.
Members who would like to help in the relief effort/donate could try the following charities/organisations: