We will try to continue our lives on the rubble of the past
A ceasefire is a dream for me. It means a lot to me but I feel it is becoming more impossible. The most important thing [would be] feeling security and stability. Because every day, especially in our job as doctors, we have to go out for long periods of time when we leave home, and we don’t know if we will return home or not. Even during long, busy shifts, I keep up with the news. You fear something might happen near your family when you’re not there and regret not being there to help … We have lost the feeling of stability. Maybe this is the most important thing we all need. But a ceasefire will not bring back the people we have lost…

…Three months before the war I got engaged and I was preparing for the wedding. I was happy with all the details of preparing the wedding. Of course, after October 7, I won’t be able to do what I dreamed of. But at least I hope to be reunited with my fiancé, because he stayed in the north, and I came to the south. Maybe the thing I wish for most is to see him again.

We will try to continue our lives on the rubble of the past. Even if it’s not the way we imagined it before.

Maybe this war taught us the value of family, and that we [should] try to spend more time with our family because at any time, we risk losing them. I miss our warm family gatherings over tea and breakfast. We used to watch TV series together in the evening. I also miss my friends in the north. Half of them are still there … I also miss walking in Gaza’s streets. It was so full of people, with pretty lights. I miss Al-Shifa Hospital, where I used to work. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go back. The memories of the hospital are still stuck in my mind. I spent a lot of time there and wish I could return one day.

My life stopped on October 7… I hope life will continue. I know it’s impossible but I’m in denial and can’t comprehend what’s happening. I used to work at Al-Shifa hospital until it was evacuated. We had to cross the border to the south. Honestly, this was a moment I will never forget. Crossing [into southern Gaza] was scary; I saw bodies on the ground, and there were flies on them. I saw people’s clothes on the ground and couldn’t tell if they were alive or not. It was humiliating. I felt like there was no turning back from that checkpoint. I feel like I’ve lost my country and identity.