Shati Refugee Camp, Gaza – Within the confines of a tent at Shati, one of the densely populated displacement camps in Gaza, Raneem Abu Al-Eish, 30, diligently cares for her two sisters, Aseel, 51, and Afaf, 33. The three women share laughter amidst the stress of their surroundings, but they also experience moments of distress, particularly when the exuberant cries of children playing nearby escalate too loudly.
Aseel and Afaf confront the challenges of celiac disease alongside intellectual disabilities that significantly impact their communication, comprehension, and behavior. Conditions exacerbated by the trials of ongoing conflict and displacement, they often find it difficult to express themselves and can be easily overwhelmed by their environment, Raneem reveals. While she may lack the technical terminology for their ailments, the symptoms can sometimes resemble those of Tourette syndrome.
The living situation is cramped, with Raneem, her two sisters, their elderly parents, and another sibling and her husband all sharing a single tent. Their mother’s frailty and their father’s ongoing recovery from an injury sustained during the conflict place the burden of care predominantly on Raneem.
Previously residing in Block 2 of Jabalia camp, the family lost their home to destruction eight months ago and has since sought refuge in temporary shelters and crowded facilities operated by the United Nations. Their current abode, a tent, traps oppressive heat during the day and exposes them to frigid temperatures at night, stripping away their privacy and dignity.
The sisters face not only the challenges of their daily lives but also the unfortunate realities of social stigma, as they are often subjected to ridicule due to their disabilities. Raneem emphasizes the importance of compassion, noting that misunderstandings regarding her sisters’ conditions contribute to their suffering.
Life in the camp presents countless difficulties, particularly for Aseel, who finds it hard to manage noise and sudden changes. Afaf, on the other hand, grapples with involuntary movements and impulsive reactions, which can trigger distress and contributes to the bullying they encounter.
The family recently faced a devastating loss when Raneem’s 22-year-old brother, Mohammad, was taken during a raid while seeking medical care for an injury. Mohammad was an integral part of their family’s support system, adept at navigating medical and aid-related challenges. His absence has left the sisters confronting worsening food shortages and limited access to healthcare.
With food scarcity intensified by ongoing conflict, Raneem finds it increasingly challenging to procure the gluten-free foods essential for Aseel and Afaf. The sisters’ dietary restrictions, compounded by the blockade and disrupted supply lines, have led to renewed threats of malnutrition.
Raneem’s pleas for understanding echo through the camp. She recounts the heartbreaking experiences of marginalized groups during these times, with many individuals with disabilities facing severe isolation. According to experts, the ongoing conflict has severely heightened this marginalization, leaving many without essential resources or support systems.
Efforts to foster community understanding continue, as some elders within the camp extend compassion by inviting Raneem’s sisters for visits, offering fleeting moments of relief from their harsh reality. Yet, Raneem’s frustration with societal ignorance remains palpable. Throughout their multiple displacements—from Jabalia to Gaza City—she has tirelessly communicated the needs of her sisters, emphasizing that they are much more than just victims of war; they are vulnerable individuals deserving of recognition and care in an often overlooked corner of the world.
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