I am a Palestinian in Gaza. Hamas must cede control and release the hostages
Gaza is disappearing from the world map with each passing day as its people face destruction. The world watches as the resilient people of Gaza stand stubbornly in front of cameras, but little changes. Gaza is in its worst state in history, and it is dying.
For 400 days now, the people here have lived through what can only be described as Judgment Day horrors. People stagger as if intoxicated—wandering, scared, worried, and confused. They move aimlessly, carrying water on their backs and on the backs of their children, rushing after cars that sell what is called "suitable" drinking water at exorbitant prices. Then, they search for firewood or buy stolen scraps of furniture and door remnants, desperate to light a fire and cook whatever they can to satisfy their hunger.
IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, November 11, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Five months later, my mother, who had refused to leave her home with one of my brothers, fell in the bathtub, breaking her back at 85 years old. She died two months later. And just a week ago, on October 17, 2024, my home—the house I spent my life building—was bombed and destroyed, taking with it all my family’s dreams. If we ever return to Gaza, I will surely carry the tent I live in now with me.
People here have suffered in their own bodies, their homes, their money, their sources of livelihood, their dignity, and even in providing food, drink, and education for their children. Gaza’s people are starving, barely clothed, living under cold, rain, and heat. There is no one to help—not even with a drop of clean water. They live worse than the most primitive conditions, beneath the standards of living afforded to many animals. They eat whatever they can find.
Bread flour is no longer available, nor is cooking gas, milk, cheese, meat, eggs, vegetables, or any other necessities in the markets—not even money or cash. Gaza’s banks are closed, and those who can withdraw money must pay 30% to intermediaries. People have eaten flour infested with weevils and worms, drank contaminated water, slept in the open air, and created primitive toilets in the open. They cannot afford tents, blankets, or any basic supplies; agents and spies have looted aid and now sell it at prices even the rich can barely afford.
Do not believe the liars who boast from hotel stages and appear on misleading satellite channels. Do not trust the pompous leaders, their assistants, the foolish drummers, or any spokesperson who lacks honor or piety. They are nothing but merchants of lies and fraud.
Do not believe the liars, and do not listen to those who invoke our name from afar. Do not call us heroes or steadfast. We are the unfortunate, displaced, exhausted, and suffering.
The leadership must bear full responsibility, working with the world and Israel to rebuild Gaza and address all issues, paving the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state living in peace and stability alongside Israel.
This is the reality of Gaza. It is a prediction of what will become of Hamas. The end is in sight for them.
Gaza is disappearing from the world map with each passing day as its people face destruction. The world watches as the resilient people of Gaza stand stubbornly in front of cameras, but little changes. Gaza is in its worst state in history, and it is dying.
For 400 days now, the people here have lived through what can only be described as Judgment Day horrors. People stagger as if intoxicated—wandering, scared, worried, and confused. They move aimlessly, carrying water on their backs and on the backs of their children, rushing after cars that sell what is called "suitable" drinking water at exorbitant prices. Then, they search for firewood or buy stolen scraps of furniture and door remnants, desperate to light a fire and cook whatever they can to satisfy their hunger.
IDF soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, November 11, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Five months later, my mother, who had refused to leave her home with one of my brothers, fell in the bathtub, breaking her back at 85 years old. She died two months later. And just a week ago, on October 17, 2024, my home—the house I spent my life building—was bombed and destroyed, taking with it all my family’s dreams. If we ever return to Gaza, I will surely carry the tent I live in now with me.
People here have suffered in their own bodies, their homes, their money, their sources of livelihood, their dignity, and even in providing food, drink, and education for their children. Gaza’s people are starving, barely clothed, living under cold, rain, and heat. There is no one to help—not even with a drop of clean water. They live worse than the most primitive conditions, beneath the standards of living afforded to many animals. They eat whatever they can find.
Bread flour is no longer available, nor is cooking gas, milk, cheese, meat, eggs, vegetables, or any other necessities in the markets—not even money or cash. Gaza’s banks are closed, and those who can withdraw money must pay 30% to intermediaries. People have eaten flour infested with weevils and worms, drank contaminated water, slept in the open air, and created primitive toilets in the open. They cannot afford tents, blankets, or any basic supplies; agents and spies have looted aid and now sell it at prices even the rich can barely afford.
Do not believe the liars who boast from hotel stages and appear on misleading satellite channels. Do not trust the pompous leaders, their assistants, the foolish drummers, or any spokesperson who lacks honor or piety. They are nothing but merchants of lies and fraud.
Do not believe the liars, and do not listen to those who invoke our name from afar. Do not call us heroes or steadfast. We are the unfortunate, displaced, exhausted, and suffering.
The leadership must bear full responsibility, working with the world and Israel to rebuild Gaza and address all issues, paving the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state living in peace and stability alongside Israel.
This is the reality of Gaza. It is a prediction of what will become of Hamas. The end is in sight for them.
