Life in Gaza: Hanya Aljamal’s Struggle for Solace Amid War's Chaos

Hanya Aljamal, a 28-year-old former English teacher, provides a poignant audio diary of daily life in war-torn Gaza, grappling with familial displacement, grief, and fleeting moments of hope amidst devastation.

Hanya Aljamal, a 28-year-old woman confined to her parents' home in Gaza, grapples with the impact of war on her once-promising life. "I don't think God intended for people in their late 20s to live with their parents," she remarks, as she finds solace on the balcony of their cramped home, which she shares with her mother, father, and five siblings.

Two years ago, she was an English teacher, actively pursuing a Master’s degree in international development. With the onset of war in October 2023, her life spiraled into turmoil. The bright dreams she held are now overshadowed by the desolation surrounding her. As she sips her morning coffee, she watches a neighbor tending to his garden—an image she sees as an emblem of resilience amid the wreckage.

Life in Deir al-Balah, a town situated in the heart of Gaza, has not been easy. Since the war's escalation, she has endured disruptions to her routine and an increasingly uncertain future. In her audio diary, shared with the BBC, Hanya expresses her struggle to find purpose as her sense of identity dissolves.

The apartment she resides in now is her fifth dwelling since the war began, reflecting the mass displacement affecting over 90% of Gazans, many of whom now find themselves in temporary shelters. Hanya recalls a jarring night when explosions shattered her sleep, a grim reminder of the precarious situation she faces daily.

Throughout her week, Hanya is drawn to fleeting moments of hope—such as the sight of children flying kites from her balcony. These simple acts of joy serve as reminders of normality in a midst of chaos. Yet, the ominous sounds of drones and gunfire cloud her quiet moments, and she describes the psychological toll the conflict takes on her psyche.

She currently works with Action for Humanity, focusing on providing support to local children affected by the war. While participating in group therapy sessions, she witnesses devastating stories shared by young girls, including the loss of family members. The heavy emotional burden is palpable.

As Eid al-Adha approaches, hunger and despair further haunt Hanya’s family, as they can no longer afford to partake in traditional celebrations. The tragedy deepens when they learn of a cousin’s death while seeking aid. With several loved ones lost, including her mentor and former students, Hanya's grief remains overshadowed by the necessities of survival.

As she strives to process her feelings, Hanya recognizes that grieving is a luxury few can afford in these dire times. Looking toward the sky, she searches for beauty that remains elusive on the ground. "The one thing about the sky is that it gives you colors and a respite of beauty that Earth lacks," she reflects.

In the shadow of destruction, Hanya Aljamal’s story highlights the resilience of individuals like her, grappling with loss yet holding onto the threads of hope.