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Bissam from Gaza provides an update on the war, unsure if he will survive. The Israeli army has been targeting ways to generate electricity, specifically solar cells. They have bombed buildings, bakeries, and any place with solar cells in Gaza City.

I live in Gaza City and my daily routine involves dealing with bombings, checking solar panels, trying to get water, and mourning my brother killed by Israeli forces. I cook over a fire, wait in line for water, and walk to buy groceries since gas is scarce. People swim at the beach near warships. My life is far from normal due to the ongoing aggression in Gaza. Let me know if your daily life is similar. Translation: My daily life in Gaza City involves facing bombings, water shortages, and mourning loss due to Israeli forces. I cook over a fire, wait for water, and walk to buy groceries without gas. People swim near warships at the beach. My life is far from normal due to the ongoing aggression in Gaza. Let me know if your daily life is similar.

In Gaza, an inhabitant documents the living conditions of the population since October 7, 2023, amidst continuous Israeli bombardments. Entire areas, including homes, schools, universities, and roads, have been destroyed, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach targeted locations. The journalist uses two phones, charged in a hospital powered by generators, to show the daily life of Palestinians. However, due to fuel and electricity shortages, she may soon be unable to report on the situation. Over 263,000 Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes to escape the bombings.

Younger Palestinian YouTuber Yousef, 16, who was born in the United Arab Emirates, lived in Gaza since 2021 for financial reasons with his family. His father remains in Dubai, while his mother, sister, and brother are in Gaza. They were forced to evacuate multiple times during the war, with Yousef now back at his home after a ceasefire expanded the safe zone. Life in Gaza before and after October 7 - Before the war, Gaza had a functioning culture and markets, though limited by blockade. The minimum wage was around $100 per month; people were generally content with what they had. - October 7, 2023, the day the war began, severely disrupted life. Yousef woke early for a history test, then learned what happened and realized he would likely never have imagined the current situation. He and his family have tried to leave Gaza since day one, but have not succeeded. Current conditions and daily life - Power and water: Electricity is almost entirely via solar panels; ordinary fuel and grid electricity are scarce. Water sources include seawater (for bathing) and wells; at the war’s start, he had to collect water in gallons, but the situation has improved somewhat since the ceasefire. - Food: Markets have scarce basic items. Eggs, chicken, meat, and fish are often unavailable for months. Prices are volatile and high; for example, cucumber prices reached around 70 shekels ($20) at one point, later around 20 shekels (>$5), whereas before the war they were much cheaper. Rent for a two-room apartment can be around $500 per month. Some regions have generators, but electricity is otherwise limited. - Cooking: No gas for ovens; they cook with firewood. - Hygiene and sanitation: Sewage systems are broken in many areas; tents used during displacement require makeshift bathrooms with holes. Rain can worsen conditions in tents. - Transportation and security: Very few people own cars; some have stolen vehicles during peak fighting. Security largely depends on Hamas, which has resumed some police functions after the ceasefire. In earlier months, security was lax as people prioritized evacuation and basic needs. - Hospitals and healthcare: Hospitals exist but are under-resourced. Anesthesia is scarce; in emergencies, some injuries require treatment abroad. If pregnant, many rely on scarce local facilities, and some situations require evacuation outside Gaza for proper care. - Communications: Yousef relies on a neighbor’s solar charging setup or other makeshift arrangements to charge devices; internet remains unreliable. Economy and aid - Unemployment is nearly universal; many rely on aid distributions. Yousef considers himself relatively fortunate due to donations and his ability to earn via a fundraiser and crypto transfers. - Money and transfer: He uses crypto wallets and GoFundMe-style fundraisers; a portion is charged by exchange offices, sometimes as high as 50% during the worst periods (later around 20%). Thus, sending $1,000 could yield around $500 to him at the worst times. - Aid access varies; some households receive frequent distributions, others rarely or never. Yousef notes a contrast between his own comparatively supported situation and the more desperate conditions of many others. Family and future - Yousef’s mother and siblings remain in Gaza; his father is in Dubai. He has considered studying marketing or business, possibly in the United States, though he has also contemplated studying in the UAE. He plans to return to school and complete high school, with university options in the US or UAE. - He has built a personal brand online and now collaborates with Human Concern International to distribute aid and sponsor orphans, as well as run daily food distributions. Support can be provided via a fundraiser link, with crypto options available. Ceasefire impact and outlook - Since the ceasefire, the safe zone has expanded, and more aid and goods have entered Gaza, though needs remain severe. Yousef believes the war will feel truly over when Hamas-related danger abates and borders reopen for substantial, sustained relief and reconstruction. The interview ends with mutual encouragement and a plan to meet again in person as circumstances allow. Yousef expresses resilience and a continued commitment to sharing his story.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. During a recent visit, it was clear that conditions have worsened since the last visit. At the vocational training center of Oumuwa, which serves 45,000 people, I met a father and his five children. They were living in a makeshift space of only 4 square meters, sleeping on the floor without a mattress or blanket. The father broke down in tears, expressing how his dignity had been taken away. This story highlights the struggles faced by many in Gaza.

In Gaza, there is a severe humanitarian crisis with displaced Palestinians struggling to find food and water. The northern part of Gaza is experiencing a famine, forcing people to eat animal food just to survive. The lack of essential nutrients is particularly affecting children, newborns, and those with health complications. Many believe that food is being used as a weapon, with a blockade on humanitarian aid and even a United Nations convoy being shot at. This deliberate prevention of aid is part of a plan to push people out and prevent them from staying alive.

The dialogue centers on casualties in Gaza and the broader human impact of the conflict. One participant states that the government has admitted 70,000 people were killed, a figure they had not previously disclosed. From their perspective, there are 70,000 killed, with many of the victims described as children and women, explicitly noting that they are labeled as terrorists according to Israeli categories. When asked what percentage of the dead are women and children, the speaker confirms that there are statistics out there, but asserts that the vast majority are women and children. The discussion then turns to access and movement: is it possible to know who can go to Gaza? Over the last couple of years in Gaza, the question is raised about what happened and whether there will ever be a clear answer. The speaker believes that people will ultimately know in one way or another, but emphasizes that the catastrophe there is unparalleled and cannot be healed. The sheer scale of destruction and death is described as heartbreak, with the speaker stating that there are no words to convey the impact. They anticipate that at some point, people will understand who did what, why it happened, and how it came to be, but for now the bottom line is that there are people who are suffering and dying as a direct result of violence, which they describe as devastating. The exchange concludes with a question about the speaker’s treatment in Israel, to which no explicit answer is provided in the transcript. Throughout, the emphasis remains on the human toll of the violence in Gaza, the stated casualty figures and demographic composition, the ongoing questions about accountability and causation, and the lasting, devastating impact on civilians. The dialogue underscores a sense of unresolved inquiry about access and movement into Gaza in the context of a catastrophe, while foregrounding the personal experience of suffering and loss wrought by the conflict.

Gaza has been without Internet for 15-16 days, with only limited access in hospitals and government locations. Lack of electricity has become the norm, forcing reliance on solar power. Communication is difficult, with no way to check on loved ones' safety. Seeking Internet access is risky due to bombings and snipers. The struggle continues to connect with the world and share the situation in Gaza. Translation: Gaza has been without Internet for 15-16 days, with only limited access in hospitals and government locations. Lack of electricity has become the norm, forcing reliance on solar power. Communication is difficult, with no way to check on loved ones' safety. Seeking Internet access is risky due to bombings and snipers. The struggle continues to connect with the world and share the situation in Gaza.

Yousef, a 16-year-old Palestinian who was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, moved with his family to Gaza in 2021 for financial reasons. His father remains in the UAE, while Yousef, his mother, and his siblings stayed in Gaza. He recounts that they planned to stay for two years, but the war began in October 2023 and they have been stuck there for two years, unable to leave despite multiple attempts. Since the ceasefire began, he says the safe zone has expanded and he has been able to return to his home, though the situation remains fragile. He notes that the ceasefire brought some relief, with more trucks and goods entering Gaza, but emphasizes that conditions are still dire and aid is unevenly distributed. The conversation covers daily life under siege. Yousef explains that basic necessities are scarce: food is limited and bought in markets or distributed as aid; many staple items like eggs, chicken, meat, and fish have been unavailable for months. Prices are volatile and, for example, cucumbers have spiked to around 20 shekels (about $5) per kilogram, a stark increase from prewar levels. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment can be around $500 per month, a significant burden in Gaza’s high unemployment context. Electricity is unreliable or nonexistent, so people rely on solar panels or generators; Yousef charges his phone at a neighbor’s solar-powered setup and cannot depend on consistent electricity. Water and sanitation present ongoing problems. The Mediterranean Sea is a source of water, though some prefer not to shower with seawater. In the early war, Yousef had to haul water in gallons; the current situation is somewhat better but still precarious. Bathrooms in tents and some homes lack proper sewage systems, with open sewage and improvised pits common in certain areas, especially during rain. Cooking is done with firewood because gas is scarce. Health care is severely constrained: most hospitals lack anesthesia for many procedures, and for serious injuries, patients may need to be transported outside Gaza for treatment, a process hampered by fuel shortages and border closures. Security and order have fluctuated. During the peak of the war, crime rose as people evacuated and others stole cars or avoided detection by removing license plates. Since the ceasefire, Hamas has resumed its local police and security functions, helping people report stolen property and maintain order. Younger Yousef describes the personal toll of two years of conflict. He has lost weight along with nearly everyone he knows, and he sometimes feels exhausted and wants to return to school to resume normal life. He continues to document his life for online audiences, despite growing fatigue, and maintains a sense of humor and faith that helps him cope. He attributes some resilience to religion and to a commitment to continue sharing his story. His family’s plans after potential exit from Gaza include returning to school and pursuing higher education, possibly in the United States or in the UAE, with a leaning toward marketing or business studies. He envisions leveraging his growing online following to support others and is involved with Human Concern International to distribute aid in Gaza, including daily food distributions and sponsorships for orphans. He maintains a fundraiser—a crypto-based transfer and cash-exchange arrangement—to support his household, though he notes that transaction fees have at times taken a large share of funds. When asked about whether the war is over, he suggests it will truly end when there is lasting peace outside Hamas’ control, and he remains hopeful that a future interview in person could capture his full story after he leaves Gaza.

Most people died due to malnutrition, starvation, or lack of blood. Directors could only breathe when fuel, medicine, and food arrived, which always felt last minute. Now that supplies are cut off, the situation is desperate. Over 1,000 children are alive but amputated. One girl was buried alive for 12 hours next to her dead parents after an airstrike. Another 5-year-old girl arrived with mangled legs after an explosion. A 7-year-old girl came in with her arm blown off. A surgeon broke down in tears after 6 months. The psychic scars are the hardest to heal. Everyone in Gaza has a horrifying story of loss: home, loved one, limb, or eye. Every day brings more of it.

The speaker witnessed a tangible increase in starvation and emaciation of patients during their three weeks in Gaza. They recount mass casualty events, including people being killed in tents in green zones. A healthcare worker friend was followed by a quadcopter drone and killed with his three children in their tent. The UN reports over 1,500 healthcare workers have been killed, including ten scrub nurses at Nassau Hospital. Staff members are starving and losing family, yet continue to work. Before the war, about 500 trucks of aid entered Gaza daily, but since then, it's been less than 10%, despite Israel controlling all entry points. Gaza, a quarter the size of London, has been reduced to 14% of its landmass, holding 2,000,000 starving people with no resources, which is the equivalent of the population of Exeter. The speaker reports that the Israeli army bombed the WHO medical warehouse on July 22, endangering international volunteers.

Be careful because you might injure yourself. I'm Abdullah, a 13-year-old stuck in Gaza. Our lives have been upended by constant war. My grandfather's house, once home to 40 people, is now rubble. We've been displaced multiple times as the Israeli army searches for Hamas. Gaza is a tiny, overcrowded strip, and evacuation orders force us into so-called safe zones. I used to attend the best school in Gaza, but now I live in a tent. People struggle to find water and new ways to make money. Renat distracts herself and others with an online cooking show, while Zakaria lives at the hospital, which has become a vital center for the displaced. Bombings continue, even near safe zones. Despite ceasefires and hopes for a better future, the fear of renewed war always looms.

Yousef is a 16-year-old Palestinian who was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates and moved with his family to Gaza in 2021 for financial reasons. His father remains in the UAE, while his mother, sister, and brother are with him in Gaza. They became trapped in Gaza when the war began in October 2023. Since day one of the conflict, they attempted to leave multiple times but have not succeeded. With the ceasefire, the security situation and access have improved somewhat, and Yousef has been able to return to his home as the “safe zone” expanded and more trucks and goods entered Gaza, though conditions remain dire. Life in Gaza before the war was described as culturally similar to other Middle Eastern regions: people were relatively content with limited means, with a low minimum wage (before the war around $100 per month), a strong sense of community, and traditional culture—olive oil, a national dance, and dresses. The October 7, 2023 attack marked the start of an ongoing, devastating conflict for him and his peers. He recalls waking early for a history test, seeing the news of the attack, and realizing that leaving Gaza would be difficult from that point onward. The first months of the war were extremely intense: doors and windows shook, some areas were targeted, and he and his family even sheltered in the middle of their house to mitigate blast effects. Survival today in Gaza is highly constrained. Yousef relies on solar panels to charge his phone and borrows power from neighbors. Food and essentials are scarce and expensive. He notes that markets sometimes have aid–or “commercial” goods distributed by charities. He and his family struggle with the absence of stable electricity; some neighborhoods have generators, but many do not. Water is a major issue: early in the war they had to fill water jugs daily, but now they rely on nearby wells and the sea for water, with some residents using the sea water for showers. There is no functioning sewage system in tents, and even in other areas, sewage can be exposed on the street. Cooking is often done with firewood since gas is scarce. Hospitals pose significant challenges; anesthesia exists in some facilities, but obtaining timely medical treatment may require leaving Gaza, and transport to a hospital can be difficult due to fuel shortages and vehicle access. Ambulances do operate, but response times vary with the circumstances on the ground. In terms of nutrition and diet, food has been scarce: eggs, chicken, meat, and fish have been difficult to obtain for months. Yousef describes weight loss across his family and the broader population, with many people unable to purchase or access adequate food. He mentions prices in Gaza as extremely high relative to the UAE; for example, a kilogram of cucumbers has fluctuated dramatically, from under $2 before the war to around $5–$20 in some periods, depending on supply and borders. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment can be around $500 per month, and many people lack cars, with some paying thousands of dollars to evacuate and relocate early in the war. Currency exchange and money access are constrained; Yousef uses crypto wallets and a fundraising GoFundMe-style page, with an exchange operator taking substantial fees (peaking around 50–55% during the worst period), though this has improved to about 20% more recently. He also relies on aid networks; he works with Human Concern International to distribute daily food and sponsor orphans, and has a fundraising link for support. Security in Gaza is uneven. During the peak of the war, theft and looting occurred as people evacuated, but with the ceasefire, Hamas has reasserted some security roles. Yousef’s family has endured personal loss: a cousin died after being unable to access medical treatment in time due to the blockade. He notes that many people he knows have been affected by the war, either through injury or death of loved ones. Looking ahead, Yousef expresses a desire to return to school, finish high school, and pursue university—potentially in the United States or the UAE, with marketing or business studies as his planned field. He remains determined to continue documenting his life and to use his platform to support others through charitable networks. He believes the war will be over when security improves outside Hamas’ influence and when life can resume with greater safety and stability. He and the interviewer discuss continuing to raise funds and support through their networks, with plans for future in-person interviews after the conflict ends.

Interviewer and Professor engage in a wide-ranging discussion about October 7 and its aftermath, focusing on verified facts, contested claims, and the broader political context. - What is known about October 7: Professor states roughly 1,200 people were killed that day, with about 400 combatants and 800 civilians among the dead. He relies on authoritative human rights reports (UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch) but notes these organizations are not infallible. He maintains there is no compelling evidence that the deaths in Israel’s subsequent reaction were a significant portion of the total, and he rejects the claim that Hamas weaponized rape on October 7, arguing there is no evidence of mass rape and criticizing the idea as a political tactic. - Eyewitness testimony: The Professor criticizes eyewitness accounts that portray Israel as “the most moral army,” suggesting such testimonies may be biased by nationalistic or military-culture factors in Israel. He emphasizes that Israelis’ strong sense of unity and service in the army can influence narratives, and he questions the consistency of eyewitness reporting given the context of the festival attack. - The rape allegations: The UN Commission of Inquiry says it has no digital or photographic evidence of rape, and other officials (Pamela Patten, UN special envoy for conflict-related sexual violence) did not present direct forensic evidence. Patten examined thousands of photographs and hours of digital evidence but concluded there was no direct evidence of sexual violence on October 7. The Interviewer notes other outlets’ reports (BBC, New York Times) on rape and other abuses; the Professor counters by reiterating the lack of direct forensic or digital evidence and highlights inconsistencies in testimony and reporting. - Hamas planning and the larger context: The Professor traces Gaza’s humanitarian crisis back to long-term occupation, blockade, and international indifference. He cites early 2000s descriptions of Gaza as a concentration camp and describes deteriorating conditions through 2008 and beyond. He argues that by late 2023, Gaza faced extreme unemployment and social destruction, suggesting that the decision by Hamas to act on October 7 was shaped by a sense of urgency and desperation in a context where regional incentives (e.g., Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords) had shifted, effectively signaling that Gaza’s prospects were collapsing. He asserts that Hamas sought diplomacy and international law prior to October 7, citing past attempts at truces and engagement with human rights organizations, and notes that these efforts were largely ignored. - Comparison of political paths in the region: The Interviewer draws contrasts between Gaza and the West Bank, noting the latter’s relatively different trajectory. The Professor argues that Israel’s goal is to subordinate rather than conquer, contrasting it with Egypt or Jordan and highlighting the Gaza situation as distinct from other regional dynamics. He asserts that the West Bank’s path remains different from Gaza’s, though critical of settlements. - The Trump peace plan and the Security Council resolution: The Professor explains that a UN Security Council resolution endorsed the Trump peace plan and established a “board of peace” with sovereign powers in Gaza, effectively transferring authority to a body headed by Donald Trump. He claims the resolution endorses the Trump plan in full and that the board answers to no external accountability, with a six-month reporting requirement to the Security Council. He contends that this amounted to “handing Gaza over” to Trump and argues that temporary transitional authority would be insufficient to address reconstruction and humanitarian needs, given Israel’s stated aim of making Gaza unlivable. - Arab states’ support and the geopolitical calculus: The Professor argues that many Arab states supported the resolution due to coercive pressure or incentives (e.g., economic consequences if they refused), and he criticizes their alignment as a “death warrant” for Gaza. He expresses deep skepticism about the motives of regional actors and dismisses the idea that their support signals genuine commitment to Gaza’s welfare or a viable path to reconstruction. - The future of Gaza: The Professor asserts that Gaza is effectively “gone,” citing World Bank and UNKDA/IMF assessments that rubble clearance and reconstruction would require decades (minimum 15 years for rubble clearance, potentially 80 years for reconstruction under previous rates). He contends that Israel’s objective has been to render Gaza uninhabitable, leaving residents with a choice to stay and die or flee, and he critiques the willingness of various Arab states to endorse terms that lock in that outcome. - Closing stance: The discussion ends with the Professor reaffirming his grim assessment of Gaza’s prospects under the current framework, while the Interviewer expresses a mix of skepticism and concern about regional dynamics and the path toward a two-state solution.

A surgeon was feeling depressed about the situation in Gaza when a colleague invited them to join a trip there. In the hospital, they saw a high number of injuries, with 50% being children. The European Hospital had turned into a refugee camp with around 20,000 people. People had no place to go after treatment, so they lived in the hospital. The suffering was worse than expected, with starvation, lack of water, and overcrowded makeshift shelters. The trauma surgeon had to make difficult decisions about who to prioritize for surgery due to the lack of medical supplies. Working with Palestinian doctors was an honor, and leaving Gaza was emotional for everyone involved. They hope the media will show the reality of the situation, where a child is killed every 10 minutes.

Gaza's death toll and civilian injuries continue to rise as airstrikes persist. In the Al Shateh refugee camp, people desperately dig through rubble to save loved ones. Over 440 children have been killed by Israeli airstrikes, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel claims to target Hamas, but medical facilities, schools, and residential areas have been affected. Displaced individuals, including 47% children, seek refuge in UN-run schools. However, Gaza now faces a complete siege, with no access to water for drinking or hygiene. Schools have been bombed, and many innocent lives lost. The people of Gaza question why they are suffering.

- On October 7, approximately 1,200 people were killed, with about 400 combatants and 800 civilians, according to the speaker who bases this on authoritative human rights reports (UN HRC Commission of Inquiry, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch). He notes that these organizations do not have perfect records but argues there is no compelling evidence that contradicts Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza being responsible for the majority of deaths, while there is no evidence that Israeli actions within Israel constituted a significant share of the total deaths. - The speaker contends there is no credible evidence of weaponized rape by Hamas on October 7. He discusses the UN Commission of Inquiry’s distinction between rape and sexual violence, and Pamela Patton’s report, which he says concluded there was no direct digital or photographic evidence of sexual violence on October 7, despite reviewing thousands of photographs and hundreds of hours of digital evidence. He argues the rape claim relies on assertions by observers and advocates rather than verifiable forensic or photographic proof. - Eyewitness testimony is challenged as being part of a pattern that could promote a narrative of Israeli moral exceptionalism; the speaker asserts that some eyewitness accounts “tell you Israel is the most moral army in the world” and notes that many such testimonies come from sources described as biased, with Israeli soldiers often embedded in a siege mentality. He suggests that Israeli society, with a citizen army and strong military culture, may have incentives to shape or repeat certain stories. - The speaker discusses Hamas’s planning and motives in the years leading to October 7, describing Gaza as an “inferno under the Israeli occupation.” He cites early 2000s characterizations of Gaza as a concentration camp by Israeli officials and UN/Human Rights reports, and notes the blockade and economic collapse. He explains that in 2023, Gaza was described by The Economist as a “rubber sheep” and by others as a toxic dump, with extremely high unemployment (60% of youth) and a deteriorating social fabric. The anticipated end of Gaza’s struggle was seen when Saudi Arabia joined the Abraham Accords, leading the speaker to say Gaza’s fate was sealed. - The discussion on Hamas’s shift to violence notes Hamas had previously tried diplomacy, international law (including cooperation with human rights organizations after Operation Cast Lead and Operation Protective Edge), and even nonviolent strategies like the Great March of Return (endorsed by Hamas). The UN report on the March of Return found demonstrators overwhelmingly nonviolent, while Israel was accused of targeting civilians. The speaker argues Hamas pursued multiple avenues but faced a harsh blockade and a failing prospect of improvement. - Regarding the broader regional context, the speaker asserts that the West Bank and Gaza have different trajectories; Egypt and Jordan are seen as neutralizing or stabilizing forces, while the West Bank’s situation is contrasted with Gaza’s harsher conditions. He argues that the goal in places like Egypt is to neutralize, whereas Israel’s policy toward Gaza is described as cleansing or subjugation, a distinction he says differentiates regional dynamics. - The speaker critiques the UN Security Council’s handling of Gaza, describing a 2023 resolution (UNSC Resolution 2803) that endorses the Trump peace plan and creates a “board of peace” with sovereign powers in Gaza, headed by Donald Trump, and notes that no external body supervises this board beyond a quarterly report to the Security Council. He claims this arrangement renders Gaza effectively under a transitional administration, with reconstruction timelines alarmingly long (fifty to eighty years to rebuild) and a minimal chance of Israel withdrawing from the green zone. - He argues that after October 7, the board’s governance path, the Trump plan, and Arab states’ support for the resolution collectively resulted in Gaza’s “death warrant,” with reconstruction hampered by deliberate destruction and political arrangements that preclude meaningful self-determination or statehood for Gaza. - On international reactions, the speaker notes varying support for Gaza among Arab nations and emphasizes that some regional actors (including Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and others) endorsed handing Gaza to Trump; he accuses these states of compromising Gaza’s future for broader geopolitical aims and accuses several of “slavery and subservience” to such outcomes. - The concluding portion covers Gaza’s future: the speaker reiterates that Gaza has effectively been made unlivable, with rubble and toxic contamination delaying any reconstruction for decades, and he maintains that the path to a two-state solution remains contested, with the Trump-led framework limiting Palestinian rights and self-determination. He indicates he has just completed a book on UN corruption and the Security Council’s role in Gaza, titled Gaza’s Gravediggers, and suggests that the UN declaration of war on Gaza nullifies international law regarding self-determination.

Shahad Ahmed, a 19-year-old software engineering student, is currently displaced in Deir el Bala, Gaza, near Al Aqsa Marzia's Hospital, due to the ongoing war. Shahad, as the oldest child, is taking care of their parents, two sisters, and two younger brothers. The family has been displaced five times and is experiencing homelessness, limited food, and extremely limited medicine. They are living in a self-constructed tent that provides minimal protection from the freezing temperatures. Shahad has started a campaign to evacuate the family and restart their lives in Egypt.

Speaker 0 and Speaker 1 discuss the life of a 16-year-old Palestinian from Gaza who was born in the United Arab Emirates and moved to Gaza in 2021 for financial reasons. The war broke out in 2023, and since then he has been stuck in Gaza despite repeated attempts to leave. He describes the impact of two years of conflict, the ceasefire, and the ongoing uncertainty. Key facts and chronology - Background: The narrator is Palestinian, born and raised in the UAE. In 2021 his family moved to Gaza for financial reasons; his father remains in the UAE, while his mother and siblings stay in Gaza. They planned to stay about two years, but the 2023 war trapped them. - October 7 day: He was 14 at the time. He woke early for a history test, learned of the attacks, and expected a bad outcome. He wanted to leave Gaza from day one of the war and has tried repeatedly to exit, but has not succeeded after two years. - Ceasefire and current status: The ceasefire brought some relief. The safe zone expanded, the area around his home became safer, and more trucks and goods are entering. He is back in his home, though the security and reconstruction process remains incomplete. Living conditions in Gaza - Daily life: He describes a world of limited resources, frequent power shortages, and reliance on solar panels for charging devices. Water access fluctuates; at one point the family ran out of water for about a month, later improving somewhat. They obtain water from wells and the sea, and use firewood for cooking due to lack of gas. - Food and markets: Food in markets is scarce and expensive. He notes prices are high (cucumbers once costing up to four times their price in the UAE or the US). Eggs, chicken, meat, and fish are hard to find; basic proteins are scarce, with cheese and some dairy options as partial sources. He emphasizes the high price of essentials and the difficulty of obtaining a stable supply. - Housing and sanitation: Many people live in tents or destroyed houses, with limited or nonfunctional sewage systems in some areas. When in tents, they lacked proper sewage; they dug holes for bathrooms and water management was challenging, especially during rain. - Hospitals and medical care: Hospitals exist but face significant constraints, including limited anesthesia and delays in accessing care. In some cases, severe injuries require treatment abroad. Ambulance service exists but depends on fuel and urgency, and access to timely care is highly variable. - Security and law: During peak fighting, security was unstable and theft occurred, with cars often having plates removed. Once the ceasefire began, Hamas resumed some policing and security roles to maintain order, and residents could report stolen items through local channels. Economic situation and money - Unemployment and income: The unemployment rate is effectively near 99-100%, with most people unable to work. The narrator’s own finances are aided by a combination of donations, a crypto wallet, and a fundraising page. He uses a fundraiser to receive crypto, which an intermediary exchanges for cash locally, taking a sizable percentage (up to 50-55% at the worst), though it has decreased to around 20% recently. - Rent and housing costs: Rent for a two-bedroom apartment can be around $500/month, and in some cases more. The narrator had to pay around $5,000 for evacuation assistance for family members, but was put in a long queue; funds are being held until border openings allow exit. Personal situation and future plans - Family: His mother and siblings are in Gaza with him; his father is in Dubai. The family continues to rely on aid distributions and informal networks. - Education and future: He hopes to return to school and finish high school, with plans for university—potentially in the United States or the UAE, studying marketing or business. He has built a substantial online following and brand identity as part of his life in Gaza. - Humanitarian work and giving: He collaborates with Human Concern International to distribute aid, sponsor orphans, and provide daily food distributions. He also has a personal fundraiser and a crypto-based support channel for those who want to help. Outlook - He remains hopeful that the ceasefire will hold and that external access will improve, enabling reconstruction and possibly allowing him and others to leave Gaza for education and stability. He notes a sense of exhaustion but continues to post and engage with his audience, aiming to finish school and pursue studies abroad or in the UAE. He believes the war will end with resolution outside of Hamas’ control and expresses a determination to remain hopeful and continue his activities despite the hardships.

The speaker shares their personal experience of living and working in Gaza, highlighting the difficult conditions and the impossible dialogue between people on both sides. They mention the constant blockade, lack of electricity and water, and the overcrowded living situations. They also mention the admirable work of hospital staff in saving children who are regularly bombed. Another speaker acknowledges the atrocities committed by both sides but questions if the daily lives of Palestinians in Gaza have been overlooked. The first speaker responds that it is not just the French government but the entire world that is responsible, including the Palestinians themselves. They emphasize that the civilians in Gaza have been victims of everyone involved and have suffered for many years.

People on the ground are gathering evidence and testimonies of the war cry. The lack of equipment has forced fathers to personally collect the remains of their loved ones. Families are unable to grieve, bury, or even think due to the ongoing situation. Even those who fled to the southern part of Gaza have not found safety, as they have been bombed there as well. One father, who left the northern part with his family, lost his son when he went to buy bread and was killed in an attack on the market.

I've heard heartbreaking stories of forced displacement in Gaza. Families have minutes to flee before bombings. Many aren't warned. Children are left injured and traumatized. There is no safe place in Gaza.