RAFIF ASLIM

Gaza- Palestinians, particularly women and children, struggle to survive in the Gaza Strip being left in ruins by Israel’s attacks. The humanitarian crisis in the enclave has been deteriorating due to the siege and a blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza imposed by Israel, putting the population of the Gaza Strip at high risk of famine.

High prices

Sahar Jamal is one of the women in Gaza City, looking for food for their families. She cannot buy even basic goods due to high prices in the city. “We have had no access to food since March 5 due to the siege,” she told NuJINHA. “As adults, we are used to being hungry and thirsty but children cannot stand without eating and drinking something.”

Sahar Jamal tries to cope with the difficult living conditions by collecting some herbs. “This is the only thing that I can provide for my family during Ramadan.”

Sahar Jamal thinks that the blockage of humanitarian aid entering Gaza makes everything even more complicated. “Israeli authorities have released statements claiming that there is sufficient food in the Gaza Strip to feed people for five months. This is a lie. If you go to the markets, you can understand the dire situation suffered by people and how people are at the risk of famine. If an urgent action is not taken, authorities will come here to record deaths.”

‘Take urgent action’

Sahar Jamal called on everyone to “take urgent action” by launching campaigns on social media platforms to lift the siege imposed on Gaza and save the people from hunger, thirst and death. “The ceasefire did not make our life normal. We still struggle to survive.”

 

Call for solidarity

Yasmin Saleha, another Palestinian woman in Gaza, called on everyone to be in solidarity with them against the siege and the blockade of humanitarian aid entering Gaza imposed by Israel.

She also complained about the high prices of goods in Gaza. “Due to high prices, we cannot meet the needs of our family, especially in Ramadan. There is no authority to control prices and hold those who violate laws accountable. I have suffered from a stomach disease due to unhealthy food. We call on everyone to take action immediately to save us from dying from hunger.”