‘I pray to God this war ends and we go home’
THE FATHER
IBRAHIM is a 46-year-old father of eight children. After being forced to leave their home in northern Gaza after it was destroyed, he and his family were displaced multiple times.
They are now living on a beach, without a proper tent and with no access to drinkable running water, a bathroom or any blankets to protect themselves from the elements.
‘I have been displaced from Al-Karama area… and here we are, staying on the seashore. We are suffering too much. We are suffering from the lack of water, a lack of blankets, a lack of heating and a lack of necessities for life.
‘We are experiencing great suffering as we live directly on the seashore at the coast. There are only a few metres between us and the sea… there is always rain and wind.
‘My wife suffers from diabetes. I suffered a stroke. I also have a joint replacement in my leg, and high blood pressure.
‘I was having treatment and taking medication which costs 470 shekels (€122) a month. I had to replace the treatment with just aspirin and ointment.
‘Though the ointment is available, the rest of the treatment is not. So I am taking aspirin for my stroke.
‘I need everything for my children… a tent, mattresses, and warmth. And medical treatment for me and the family, food and drinks, everything.’
THE NEW MOTHER
FATIMA is a displaced mother with a newborn baby. They are living in a school shelter which is overcrowded, unsanitary and lacking basic needs such as food, water and clothing.
‘The school came under heavy bombardment. The situation was unbearable. I was pregnant when that all happened. I suffered from anaemia... I felt dizzy and tired all the time, and I also have sciatica, which hurt my leg.
‘When my contractions started, an ambulance took me to Al-Awda hospital. It was such a long way there. We were continuously attacked on the way to the hospital.
‘I suffered many health complications after giving birth. I felt dizzy all the time and I could barely move.
Toilets [at the shelter] are dirty and very polluted. And hepatitis is spreading.
‘I was really scared for my baby [being at risk] from disease.
‘There’s a large number of people living here, and it’s bad for a newborn. It is unsanitary and unhealthy for a baby to live here. We do not have food, nor water, no proper clothes to wear. It is difficult to even buy nappies for my baby.
‘I’m sad that my baby has been born amid this suffering and need.
‘I pray to God that this war ends, and we go back to our homes.’