RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- Due to Israel’s ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip for over a year, women struggle to survive against difficult living conditions. “Our life has completely changed since the beginning of the war,” said Ahlam Al-Zein, one woman in the Gaza Strip. “Even our family relationships have completely changed. My brother and sister are not the same anymore. We face difficult living conditions and we cannot make ends meet due to the rise in food prices. People have started to stare at each other strangely. They are unable to breathe sometimes due to poverty, sometimes due to fear.  Heavy burdens on women have psychological effects on them. This situation also affects our communication with each other.”

 ‘People have changed’

Families cannot afford to make ends meet anymore due to financial difficulties, Ahlam Al-Zein told NuJINHA. “This situation also affects the mental health of people. Even grandparents give a negative answer when their grandchildren ask them for a piece of bread because they know that they will starve if they do not have a piece of bread. About one year ago, I was displaced to southern Gaza along with my children. I have lost communication with one of my sons.”

‘We often move to other places’

Ahlam Al-Zein has lost many of her relatives and neighbors in Israeli attacks. “I feel great pain when I see their photos and videos on the internet. I cry for hours when I see their photos. Due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, we often move to other places. Our life is in fear and poverty.”