anonymous

I lived in Gaza, in the Al-Rimal area. The war started on October 7th. Before that I went to the dental clinic every day during my internship year. When the bombing began around us, it became too dangerous to go out, so I stayed at home. They bombed the building next to ours, breaking all our windows and causing a lot of damage. We were told to evacuate the entire area, but no one knew where to go. We spent a whole week under intense bombing, unable to sleep, leave the house for food and water, or access the internet.

On October 13th, a Facebook post announced that the Al-Rimal area had to be evacuated, and we were forced to leave for Rafah at 6 a.m. We couldn’t take any of our belongings, thinking it would be only a few days before we could return, but we still haven’t been able to go back. Fortunately, I have an aunt who lives in Rafah, so we stayed with her. Rafah was not free of bombing either, and it was difficult to find food, water and internet. My situation was better than others though because I had a place to stay.

During our stay in Rafah, we received pictures of our neighbourhood in Gaza. It was completely burned! I wouldn’t be able to retrieve any of my beloved belongings, including my books and clothes. A few days later, we also received news that our house had been bombed. There are no words to describe our emotions; we just console ourselves by knowing we are lucky to be alive and uninjured.

Every day, I receive bad news. My university has been destroyed, as well as the clinic  I was at during my internship. All my dreams have vanished. My cousin is dead. Two of my close friends are dead. Two of my university classmates are dead. The situation is dire. We lack the basic necessities of life. Diseases is rampant. We live in constant fear and terror. We lack sleep. We are psychologically traumatised.

I was passionate about dentistry, eager to travel, attend workshops, and learn every day. I was happy to have finished my university years and was excited about my internship to practice dentistry the way I loved and dreamed. Everything has come to a stop.