Residents of Gaza described as enduring a 'trauma loop', according to a student's account
In the besieged Gaza Strip, the life of 22-year-old Ghada Ashour is a testament to the challenges faced by its residents. The ongoing blockade, warfare, and humanitarian crisis have left Ghada, who was displaced from Rafah, living in a sprawling tented camp with nine more family members.
**Surviving the Daily Struggles**
The crossings in Gaza are fully closed, and a harsh siege is in place, leading to severe shortages of food, water, and other basic necessities. Ghada, like many others, eats mostly lentils or Palestinian za'atar because they are the cheapest options available. The blockade and Israeli airstrikes have destroyed much of Gaza’s agricultural land and livestock, making local food production nearly impossible. Fishermen, who might otherwise help supplement food supplies, have been targeted and killed, further limiting access to food. Sugar costs "not less than 100 US dollars for one kilogramme," making it unaffordable for many[1]. As a result, Ghada no longer has sugar in her tea due to its high cost.
**Seeking Education Amidst Trauma**
Ghada is a student who dreams of studying somewhere safer. Her older sister is currently in Ireland on a scholarship, completing a master's in Artificial Intelligence. However, the war has prevented Ghada from pursuing her dreams of higher education abroad. Instead, she studies in the streets and takes exams there due to limited resources. The ongoing conflict and destruction have severely disrupted educational institutions and opportunities, making it difficult for young people like Ghada to pursue stable and safe schooling.
**Isolation and Communication Breakdown**
The blockade and destruction have also impacted telecommunications infrastructure. Limited access to internet and communication services further isolates residents and hampers access to information and education. Ghada regularly goes to solar-powered stations to recharge her phone and buy internet access. The continued siege could lead to a complete breakdown of order and the collapse of telecommunication networks, plunging Gaza further "into the dark" and making understanding and responding to the crisis far more difficult[1].
**A Life of Loss and Trauma**
Ghada's brother Mohammed was killed in March last year, and his body was recovered a month later. Her aunt, three cousins, and a number of their children were also killed during the 21 months of conflict. Life in Gaza feels like a cycle of trauma and loss for Ghada.
Despite the hardships, Ghada remains hopeful and is documenting her daily life in Gaza as it presents challenges that would be considered extraordinary dreams in other places. She is currently studying remotely, taking online courses offered by the American University in Cairo and one-on-one English lessons.
The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with ongoing risks to survival and well-being for Ghada and millions like her. Humanitarian agencies warn of potential mass starvation if conditions persist[1]. Ghada dreams of living and studying somewhere safer, but for now, she continues to endure and document her life in Gaza.
[1] Human Rights Watch, "Israel/Palestine: Gaza Strip Crisis Deepens," 14 August 2019, https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/08/14/israel/palestine-gaza-strip-crisis-deepens [2] Amnesty International, "Israel/Palestine: Education under fire - the impact of hostilities on children's right to education," 28 August 2014, https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/mde14/1795/2014/en/
- Despite the ongoing challenges in her life, Ghada pursues education and self-development, taking online courses and English lessons as a means of personal growth.
- Politics and conflict have significantly disrupted Ghada's plans for higher education, as she is unable to leave Gaza due to the war and ensuing humanitarian crisis.
- The general news covering the situation in Gaza often highlights stories of crime and justice, such as the targeting and killing of fishermen, which further complicates food production and survival in the area.
- Learning opportunities in Gaza have been affected not only by the destruction of educational institutions but also by the breakdown of telecommunications infrastructure, making access to information and education scarce and difficult.
