Fear of Being Forgotten in Gaza: A Year of War and Counting

 Edited by Umar-Mark Victor

Source: The New York Times

The remains of  Bureij in central Gaza street is surrounded by rubble and bombed out buildings.

The Forgotten Crisis in Gaza: A Year of War and Counting

         As the world's attention shifts to other conflicts in the Middle East, residents of Gaza fear they'll be left behind, forgotten in the midst of unrelenting war. Despite Israel's signals of shifting focus to its northern border with Lebanon, the bombardment in Gaza continues, leaving Palestinians facing another harsh winter with scarce food and shelter.

A Year of Fear and Uncertainty

          For nearly a year, Gazans have lived with constant fear. The sound of Israeli warplanes tearing through the skies, carrying out deadly airstrikes, is a daily reality. Famine looms, with only trickles of aid reaching the desperate population. Displacement is a constant threat, as Israeli evacuation orders force families to flee their homes.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The numbers are staggering:

- 96% of Gaza's population faces acute food insecurity.

- Nearly half a million people are on the brink of starvation.

- 83% of essential food aid is blocked by Israeli restrictions.

- 1.87 million people need shelter, with 60% of homes damaged or destroyed.

Voices from Gaza

Residents share their heartbreaking stories:

- Muhammad al-Masri, a 31-year-old accountant, has fled multiple times. "We don't know what's going to happen. It's a catastrophe."

- Rawoand Altatar, a Gaza City resident, describes the desperation. "We wake up and go to sleep, and the airstrikes don't stop."

- Ahmed Saleh, a 44-year-old civil servant, feels abandoned. "The world did nothing for Gaza."

A Crisis Ignored

       As international attention shifts, Gazans feel forgotten. The already-sputtering cease-fire efforts between Israel and Hamas may be sidelined, leaving residents vulnerable to escalating violence.

The World Must Not Forget

         As winter sets in, Gazans face a dire reality. Tents, their only shelter, are no match for the harsh weather. The international community must not turn a blind eye to this humanitarian crisis.

What Can Be Done?

- Increased humanitarian aid is crucial.

- International pressure can push for a cease-fire.

- Supporting organizations working in Gaza can provide vital assistance.

         The crisis in Gaza is far from over. As the world's attention wavers, it's essential to remember the faces, voices, and stories of those suffering. We must continue to shed light on this forgotten conflict, demanding action and support for the people of Gaza.