Dr Alaa jihad

Hi everyone, I’m Alaa Jihad, a from Rafah, Gaza. I’d like to share my story about the war.

Before October 7th last year, I had a good life in Gaza, full of opportunities, achievements, and good times with family and friends. Although living in Gaza comes with many obstacles and restrictions, I have a strong personality and was able to resist and overcome them.

I was about to finish my internship when the war broke out. My university has since been destroyed.

Now, I am unemployed without my degree certificate, which makes it impossible for me to work. Sitting at home without work makes me feel empty and worthless. This war is unlike previous ones; it is a war of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Everything in my city has been destroyed—homes, mosques, schools, hospitals, and roads. The war started eight months ago and continues with relentless cruelty.

We have endured immense suffering, pain, deprivation, and trauma. People are displaced, living in small tents, facing famine and malnutrition. I have lost 10 kilograms due to lack of food and intense psychological pressure.

The terror inflicted upon us is unimaginable, with continuous explosions and missiles shaking our homes and hearts. The fear of being the next victim is constant. I often thought about being martyred, but not in the horrific way I envisioned. The fear of being buried alive under rubble was overwhelming.

We are exhausted, full of loss and pain, but also full of pride because we are Palestinians. We long for God’s justice and question why life is so unfair. Why do we have to live through airstrikes and bombs, escape death multiple times a day, and mourn our loved ones? I’ve lost two relatives. Why do we have to live on memories instead of creating new ones? Why must we endure all this suffering? Why us?

I would like to pursue further training in restorative dentistry once I receive my certificate.