In the aftermath of a catastrophic two-year conflict, Gaza’s residents face unimaginable hardship as they navigate daily life amid ruins. The destruction has left the region’s economy shattered and its infrastructure in disarray, fueling a deep despair that is palpable among its people. Yet amidst this adversity, there remains a profound resilience and hope for rebuilding, with activists and organizations advocating for dignity and humanitarian support.
In Gaza, the reality for residents like Yassir Shaheen has been marked by sleepless nights filled with fear and uncertainty during Israel’s two-year war on the enclave. Shaheen, who leads the charity Humanity First UK in Gaza, described the pervasive sense of doom: “Many nights we lay awake, our lips dry, our hearts pounding in fear, feeling as though the sky itself was collapsing on us,” he reflected. The devastation is evident, with Gaza’s economy in ruins and over 68,000 Palestinians confirmed dead according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, many still buried under the rubble.
This grim reality starkly contrasts with the pledges made this week by global leaders in Doha at the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD), where they vowed to “leave no one behind.” In Gaza, basic needs, including food, have become luxuries, as illustrated by Shaheen’s comments about the unaffordability of even bread. As of now, only 4,453 trucks have been allowed entry, a fraction of what was promised in the ceasefire agreement effective October 10.
With infrastructure virtually obliterated—UN estimates indicate that 92 percent of residential buildings have been damaged or destroyed—those in Gaza are experiencing a profound sense of loss. Schools, clinics, homes, and shops have all succumbed to the conflict, leaving behind a landscape of rubble where life once thrived. Shaheen encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “Everything that allowed life to function has been reduced to dust.”
At the WSSD, commitments were reaffirmed to eradicate poverty and ensure healthcare and education for vulnerable populations. Nonetheless, advocacy groups like Medical Aid for Palestinians emphasize that such declarations hold little weight if not accompanied by action. Rohan Talbot, the organization’s advocacy director, pointed out that the health sector remains in dire straits, with significant shortages of medical supplies and personnel due to the war. “Development is impossible while Palestinians are denied the most basic rights to safety, movement, and dignity,” he asserted.
Moreover, Aziz Hafiz of Humanity First UK emphasized that no declaration can replace the intrinsic right to freedom and security. He noted that every initiative to support education and well-being serves as an act of resistance against despair. Despite the urgent need for peace, Hafiz maintained that efforts to support human dignity must continue in the meantime.
As Gaza endeavored to reconstruct, the realities of displacement camps weigh heavily on its people. Shaheen reveals that many reside in makeshift tents that provide little protection or privacy, a stark reminder of their plight. He raised the painful question of how long it will take to clear the rubble, already suggesting that the process of rebuilding could take years. For him, rebuilding encompasses more than physical structures; it symbolizes a restoration of lives, safety, and dignity for the Palestinian people.
While Gaza is still reeling from the aftermath of conflict, calls for justice and accountability remain vital. Talbot highlighted that sustainable peace and development hinge on addressing the root causes of suffering, including the ongoing military occupation and blockade. Palestinians, he asserted, must be granted self-determination to lead their recovery and shape their future, asserting their agency in the face of ongoing challenges.
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