RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- NuJINHA spoke to Tamara El-Haddad, a writer and researcher in Gaza, about the consequences of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. “Thousands of children in Gaza have died from malnutrition and dehydration due to the war in Gaza," she said. “The winter is coming and displaced people will not be able to protect themselves from cold weather. The current tents cannot protect them from snow, rain, mud and wind. People may die from exposure to cold weather.”

‘Israeli rejects cease-fire proposals’

In the Gaza Strip, humanitarian aid is first delivered to civilians, said Tamara El-Haddad. “In Gaza, critical infrastructure, buildings and streets are in ruin. Humanitarian aid cannot be delivered to people. Israel rejects all cease-fire proposals because it sees a possible cease-fire as an opportunity for Palestinian armed groups to reorganize themselves. The Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, does not care about the needs of civilians. Therefore, the war will continue despite the efforts of international and humanitarian organizations.”

 ‘Thousands of children need medical care’

Many women have lost their husbands due to the war, Tamara El-Haddad stressed, adding, “Now, they have become the only breadwinners of their families. In Gaza, thousands of children and pregnant women need medical care and vaccinations. The Israeli forces conduct raids on crowded areas. Women and children suffer from psychological problems due to the sounds of bombs and bullets. The drones flying over Gaza at night cause panic among people.”

‘Access to basic necessities is becoming more difficult’

Thousands of children have been deprived of education in Gaza, Tamara El-Haddad noted. “Israeli forces have already targeted schools and universities. An urgent ceasefire is needed so that children will be able to continue their education. Before the war, 600 trucks used to enter Gaza on a daily basis. Today, only 10 or 26 trucks enter Gaza on a daily basis. Access to basic necessities such as clothes, shoes and food is becoming more difficult for people.”

At the end of her speech, Tamara El-Haddad said that everything that “Israel has been doing since the beginning of the war is a violation of international law and conventions”. “Israel has committed a genocide in the Gaza Strip by targeting civilians, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid and rejecting cease-fire proposals.”