New Year Begins Amid Death, Massive Displacement in Gaza

As the world celebrates the first day of the new year, a moment to promote familial cohesion and human relationships, in Al-Sadaqa camp, west of Deir al-Balah, displaced families face a different reality, where the concept of family intertwines with the suffering of displacement and the hope for peace.

Inside her humble tent, 36-year-old Najla Abu Al-Aoun embodies resilience.

As she carried out her daily chores outside her tent, she talked about her hardships: “We wake up and sleep wondering when the war will end, when this suffering we are enduring will come to an end.

As a 36-year-old woman, what I’ve experienced over the past year and four months of war has aged me to 60 years. I’ve had to fetch drinking water, stand in line to secure food for my children.

These tasks are meant for men, but unfortunately, many women have been displaced without their husbands. I am currently displaced with my family. I, and others—even children—pray for peace during this time.”

Najla added, “”I hope the world sees us as human beings. All global institutions should consider us; as we care about peace, and want peace, not war.

We want to live, for our children to thrive. I am one of the people who want my daughter to grow up well, my nephew to be well, and my neighbor’s son to be okay.

I want my neighbor to be well, I don’t want wars, killings or destruction. I don’t want to live in a home that is intact while my neighbors’ houses are destroyed.

I don’t want to walk down the street and remember that here lived my neighbor who is now dead, or here a family was wiped out.

Decision-makers who are not sure about us should ask us what we want. I don’t think anyone can endure the life we’re living. Words are many, but actions are what matter.”

Truly, we want peace. We hope the world hears us, helps us, and considers us as human being, and we want only peace. We love peace and we extend our hands for peace.

A few steps away, Sharif Al-Sharif shares his painful experience after being displaced for the tenth time: “We live without blankets, with water dripping over our heads. Our children are soaked, and I haven’t eaten since yesterday. We want peace—enough suffering.”

Meanwhile, Mohammed Al-Sisi, another resident of the camp, sums up his hopes in one sentence, “We wish to see the day when we can live in peace, just like other people around the world.”

These testimonies reflect the ongoing displacement affecting over a million people in Gaza.