My name is Rana. I have lived in the city of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip all twenty-one years of my life. What is happening in Gaza is not fiction but a bitter reality, which we lack the means to defend ourselves against. In the last few days, an unusually powerful storm has flooded many areas, displacing hundreds of residents from their homes. Children are without shelter from the cold and rain. Entire neighborhoods are sinking.
My family and I spent four days in darkness in below freezing weather: no electricity, no water, and no heat. I was so cold, I couldn‘t leave my bed and the small comfort it and my blankets provided. The cold felt like it penetrated my bones. Yet, I am lucky. I witnessed many people as they became homeless, their children desperate for food and warmth.
Friends called to tell me about the flooding and freezing in their areas. I felt bad, unable to help.
Power lines are down and our streets are filled with raw sewage. Greenhouses have been destroyed, affecting farmers and reducing the already minimal food supply we Gazans are forced to survive on.
Making conditions worse, Israel opened two dams, releasing a torrent of water that inundated many homes. As their houses sank, some of my neighbors nearly drowned. Fortunately, rescue workers came to their aid.
All of this was not enough for Israel. Its soldiers have been shooting at civilians in the village of Khuza’a, to the east of my city. Unarmed residents, women and children, attempting to flee the flooded town, were driven back for fear of being shot.
Israel’s action, assisted by the world’s silence, increases our suffering. Where is the international law we hear so many people talk about but never implement? Where is the community that talks about justice and humanitarian support? If my people are prevented from obtaining the basic requirements of life at least we should speak up and raise our voices.
Another storm is expected to hit my vulnerable homeland next week, bringing with it more suffering and more homelessness. When will the world wake up and treat us like human beings? When the World will stand on our side ?
Rana Alshami, Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip
Thanks for sharing, Rani. And, yes, I’m sharing. I’m sorry for this catastrophe.
Oops, I misspelled your name: Correction: Rana.
Thank you for sharing. We all have to become journalists these days ad the one who should be reporting are compromised by the structure they work in, unable to bring these things out in the open…
My thoughts are with you. I’m so sorry.
Rana, while I support Gaza 100% and shared your story many times , I was informed by many on FB that Israel has no dams to open . This has been throughly researched by many who were trying to prove me wrong . I could care less as the atrosities the palastinian people breaks my heart . I just thought I would let you know/ Much love from the USA
Dear chris , who would you believe the one who witness the crimes of Israel or the people who are out and have no idea about what is happening here ? Look! we live the suffering !
I’m so sorry .. My prayers are with you ..
I apologize to you and your people Rana on behalf of the rest of the world that allows this to continue. There are those of us who are constantly praying for you and trying to find ways to help. We stand in solidarity with you.
This is unconscionable, it’s ironic that the heads of state that just finished feting Nelson Mandela have nothing to say on behalf of Palestinians at the mercy of a merciless government.
Reblogged this on Deconstructing Myths and commented:
The residents of Gaza and the occupied territories are at the mercy of a merciless government.
Ya Allah (swt) please bring swift justice to our sisters and brothers in Gaza and the rest of Palestine, Ameen
Ameen !
Thank you for sharing Rana. Unfortunately the press does not report these crimes to the world, it’s people like you who do, ill share to spread the word. Thoughts or with you and your family and friends.
The problem also in the silence of the people who help Israel ..
Reblogged this on Ideas Of Mass Destruction and commented:
What is happening here breaches human rights, it must be stopped! Just because the press don’t report it doesn’t means it’s not happening….
The world is with all of you, Rana. But these people who control the media and the power won’t let, and admit, that. They suffocate our voices too, and thus it seems nobody’s talking. But I assure you, the whole world is screaming “Free Palestine” at the top of their lungs. Full solidarity from Mexico. I pray everything can get better soon.