RAFEEF ISLEEM

Gaza- Israel has carried out attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, killing and injuring thousands and displacing many more. Thousands of displaced Palestinians are living in tents on the beach by Gaza's seaport. The displaced women living in tents struggle to survive despite the lack of clean water, extreme heat and high humidity.

“The beach used to be a nice place for the women in the Gaza Strip,” said Dalia Sultan, one of the displaced women living in tents scattered along Gaza’s coastline. “Before the war, the beach was a playground for children; however, it is now a place that hosts thousands of displaced people.”

Dalia Sultan spoke about the challenges faced by them due to extreme heat and high humidity. “People suffer from skin diseases; however, they have no access to medications due to the ongoing Israel’s blockade in Gaza.”

Dalia Sultan has to find clean water every day but she does not want to leave her children alone for a long time so she runs to get water and comes back very fast.  

‘Having a bath is a nightmare’

Ghanima Al-Anqa also struggle to survive despite the difficult living conditions in tents. “I have to stay on the beach due to the threats of Israel,” she said, stressing that the most challenging thing that women face is the lack of toilets on the beach. “Having a bath is a nightmare for women and girls.”

 Ghanima Al-Anqa has a son with special needs but she cannot find medications and other supplies needed by her son. Ghanima Al-Anqa wants to go to another place away from the beach for her son, “But we have no place to go.”