Hope Amid Ruins: Gaza’s Young Voices in One Year of Genocide

Hadeel Abu Nassar

As the sun rose on October 7, 2023, the people of the Gaza Strip went about their morning routines. Schoolchildren brimming with energy and anticipation headed to their classrooms, while many adults prepared for work. Yet, as we started to see pictures taken by fellow natives of our occupied land filling social media, the reality of impending Israeli attacks began to unfold.

Within moments, the Palestinian resistance launched an unprecedented operation, targeting several Israeli military sites and briefly liberating parts of historic Palestine.

For many Gazans, this was a moment of hope—a fleeting glimmer of liberation after enduring a 17-year blockade that turned their home into a prison. With over 5000 people kidnapped and detained in Israeli jails, according to official statistics, the significance of this act resonated deeply. However, this initial joy quickly transformed into despair as Israel attacked the besieged strip with what has become its longest and deadliest campaign.

In the wake of this aggression, the devastating impact of the blockade was further highlighted. Economic stagnation had left many young Palestinians, particularly those aged 18 to 29, with few opportunities. In the face of such adversity, youth had found solace in remote work opportunities. Yet the war shattered these dreams, burying aspirations under the rubble of a devastated city.

Stories of Resilience

Amani, 25, an architect who once thrived in her remote position with a Saudi design firm, reflected on her shattered dreams. “I was working hard to improve my life and that of my family,” she said, recalling the comfortable life she led before the war. “But now, I can only think about survival.” Forced to flee repeatedly as the war escalated, Amani’s family was displaced over ten times. “We faced days of fear, starvation, and the absence of basic necessities. It was unbearable.”

One harrowing memory stands out for Amani: the invasion of Al-Shifa Hospital in March 2024. “We were besieged for 14 days. We could hear our neighbors crying for help as they bled to death, and we were powerless to save them. I never thought I would survive those moments,” she recalled. Amani’s story encapsulates the shared trauma of a generation that has witnessed horror after horror while struggling for their very existence.

Similarly, Raghad Abu Zaid, 27, described her life before the war as “normal.” “We moved freely, bought what we needed, and had plans for the future,” she said. The stark contrast of her current existence is a painful reminder of what was lost. The ongoing genocide and starvation have forced Raghad and her family to survive on minimal food, often going without for days. “In December 2023, we ran out of flour for nearly a month. We had only one meal per day, and it was difficult to accept that we were being starved as a form of pressure,” she lamented.

The impact of Israel’s relentless bombardments has left a mark on Raghad’s psyche. She recalled a terrifying night when airstrikes targeted two buildings near her home, killing hundreds. “We didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. The shock of finding dismembered bodies in our home was something I cannot forget,” she said, her voice trembling as she recounted the horror.

Rebuilding Amidst the Rubble

Despite the ongoing genocide, Amani and Raghad share a remarkable resilience, one that reflects the spirit of their generation. Amani now dreams of merely surviving, while Raghad and her family have taken the initiative to rebuild on the rubble of their home, constructing makeshift rooms to shield themselves from the elements.

Yet, as the number of displaced persons in Gaza continues to rise, local authorities report significant challenges in meeting the needs of the population. The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics noted that on the eve of the conflict, around 5.6 million Palestinians resided in the territory, with youth representing 22% of the population. Their future hangs in the balance as the Israeli offensive rages on.

The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the Israeli deliberate deprivation of essential goods. Food, fuel, and medical supplies are increasingly scarce, rendering daily life an arduous struggle. Amidst this backdrop of suffering, both Amani and Raghad symbolize a broader narrative of hope, resilience, and determination.

As they navigate the chaos, young Palestinians like Amani and Raghad stand as a testament to the unyielding spirit of Gaza’s youth, yearning for a chance to rebuild their lives and reclaim their dreams amid the ruins of war.