Hearing reports about the bombing of Gaza, it’s easy to become distanced from the reality of it, to think only in terms of numbers or simply to become numb. From Israel’s continued aggressions in spite of the ceasefire, to Donald Trump’s talk of ethnic cleansing, it starts to feel unreal, but for those on the ground, it presents a set of very practical challenges every day. Facing up to these is the only way to survive, and everybody has to do their bit.
At 17, Haya is no stranger to war. On again, off again, it was a frequent part of her childhood, but this time it has brought her to the brink of despair. When it started, she was studying, but her school was one of many destroyed in the bombardment. She was forced to flee her home and now her whole focus is on trying to protect her family.
“We are a family of six and I am the only daughter,” she explains. “I have three brothers. I also had another brother, but he and my cousin were killed by the Zionist occupation, and now we are trying to protect ourselves and get food because there is no work here.”
No place of safety in Gaza
Like many people, they returned to their home when they thought it might be safe – at least temporarily – to do so. They found it damaged but not completely destroyed, and were able to shelter there. Still, she has little sense of security. “The occupation targeted the place where we live,” she says. “It is not a safe place.”
Israel recently announced its intention to shut off electricity across Gaza which has prompted worldwide expressions of concern. The reality is that many areas had their mains supplies destroyed months ago and have been making do by sharing renewable resources for things like communications – as they have done with other essentials.
“In terms of electricity, there is none here,” says Haya. “I struggle to charge my phone. As for food, there are people here who make food for the camps, but not always.”
“Unfortunately, sometimes we cannot keep warm because of the bitter cold, lack of blankets and clothes, and the low pressure that occurred a few days ago, when my mother and I also fell ill from the cold.”
The one thing that really helps to keep her going is her beloved cat, Samih, who has remained with the family throughout their ordeal.
“My cat is my whole life,” she says. “He is the one who gives me hope and passion to complete my day. When I think that he is a spirit living with me and understanding me, this is a big thing for me. I treat him as if he is my son, not my cat.”
No future in Palestine?
When we talk about the future and the possibility of a life beyond war, she is hopeful like most young people. “What I would like to do in my life is to complete my education, work on myself more, and have my own income.”
It’s difficult for her to picture how such a future might unfold.
“My country is very important to me and I cannot think of abandoning it, but living here among the destruction and rubble and the lack of security and safety for me and my family forces me to think of moving to another country, but we do not have the money.
“For me, I have not lived a single day in which I am free in Gaza. We have been under siege for 76 years. I have never seen freedom. I wish I could visit the rest of my country, even if only for one day, but I cannot. My heart burns because of the occupation.”
The other part of her country that she refers to is the West Bank. Palestinian people are not permitted to travel between the two, even though many families are split between them. The arrangement also effectively denies people access to important cultural centres.
The peace process
Since the ceasefire agreement came into effect on 19 January, international organisations have been working hard to try to broker a peace deal. This provided a temporary reprieve, with some people able to leave Gaza and some aid supplies able to get in. Few people still there feel confident that a lasting peace will follow.
“I expect that the deal will not happen and this is what I am afraid of,” says Haya. “I cannot bear the idea of returning to war again. Killing, hunger, displacement and bombing – I cannot bear all of this. As for hope, I will tell you frankly. I do not have any hope here.”Haya has a fundraising campaign which is her only source of income, and is asking people around the world to help her and other Palestinians. “We are all suffering here and no one is lying about this,” she says. “We all need help.”
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