NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza-The brutality and inhumanity of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have been continuing for months while the whole world remains silent. The attacks have destroyed civilian infrastructure, killed civilians, including women and children, and displaced thousands. Thousands of people had to leave their homes and took shelters in centers or camps; however, the Israeli forces have killed many people by targeting centers and camps sheltering displaced people. Suffering from the lack of food and shelters, the people of Gaza struggle to survive without food and health services.

‘I could not even say goodbye’

 The story of Shahnaz Manna is only one of the stories of the women in Gaza. In March 2023, she visited her son’s shop. “My son asked me to look after his shop for a while to buy a gift for Mother's Day. He would buy a gift and then return; however, he did not return. I felt like something bad was happening. He was killed by the Israeli forces. I could not even say goodbye to him.”

 ‘I still cannot believe this happened’

After her son was killed by the Israeli forces, her other son was arrested by the Israeli forces. “They arrested my other son. We still do not know why he was arrested. Palestinian women give birth to their children, raise them, and lose them within seconds. I always cry. Our lives are full of painful incidents and details. I still cannot believe this happened.”

‘Everything is getting worse’

Shahnaz Manna has lived in a small room since her house was destroyed in an Israeli attack. “I have been living in this dilapidated room and I have lost everything that I had. I lost my husband and children. I have no choice but to rely on myself to earn a living. The war continues and everything is getting worse.”

Shahnaz Manna struggles to survive by selling cold water because “I do not want to be a burden to anyone. I sell cold water to buy what I need. I have to sell water to survive.”