76 Years of Resistance: Reflections from Gaza on Oct 7

As we reached the reach the grim milestone of a full year of war in the Gaza strip, we turned to the voices that matter most: our brothers and sisters leading the fight for liberation in Gaza.

Below, our partners share their reflections with us and our followers. Despite the death and destruction they have endured in the past year, their commitment to a better future is unshakeable, and so is ours.

Wissam

Describe what Gaza means to you: Gaza means a lot to me, my family, and my people. We were raised here; I was born here, and my father was born here. He spent his life farming and defending our land. It's hard for us to give up even a grain of sand from Gaza, which has been watered with the blood of martyrs.

What should the world know about life in Gaza right now? The occupation destroyed my home, and my family and I have endured a life of displacement, constantly fleeing from bombs and terror. We are innocent, yet we lose many children, youth, and entire families daily. I hope the world stands with us to end the war so we can live a dignified and happy life, like others.

What do you hope for in one year? I hope the war will end soon. I want to rebuild my home and raise my children with a good education. I also hope to start a business to support my family’s needs.

Is there anything else you would like to say? I want to thank the followers and everyone who stood by us, supported us through speeches, demonstrations, or financial support. Because of you, my children and I were able to buy what we need.

Abood

Describe what Gaza means to you: Gaza is my homeland, my land, and where my dreams were born. It is everything to me, my family, my refuge.

What should the world know about life in Gaza right now? My life is now a shattered mountain of dreams. I wanted to be an engineer and own a computer company, but everything has been destroyed. Now, I just want the crossings to open so I can escape with the remnants of my dreams.

What do you hope for in one year? I hope for the war to end, to complete my university education, and for my father to be well.

Is there anything else you would like to say? I want the world to remember Gaza and not forget us.

Gevar

Describe what Gaza means to you: Gaza means a lot to me and everyone in it. It's where we’ve lived, where we’ve shared joys and sorrows. It will always be our city and our pride.

What should the world know about life in Gaza right now? I want to live and survive—not merely dream of living like people my age do elsewhere.

What do you hope for in one year? If we survive until then, I want to fulfill my dreams and live like others my age.

Is there anything else you would like to say? We are the ones who loved to live but couldn’t. Please, do not leave us alone.

Mostafa

Describe what Gaza means to you: Gaza is everything, even if it's destroyed. We will love it until our last breath and will not leave.

What should the world know about life in Gaza right now? Life here is like hell. What you see on TV only scratches the surface of our daily suffering. Imagine living in a tent that is your home and a school bag that is your wardrobe. Imagine constant displacement, losing loved ones, and relentless bombing.

What do you hope for in one year? I hope that the genocide ends and Gaza is rebuilt, with children returning to school and life resuming as it once was.

Is there anything else you would like to say? Our journey is hard, but we still have a glimmer of hope. Please, help us hold onto it, and do not forget us. Our struggle is not just a trend—it’s a fight for freedom that continues until we gain it. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free 🇵🇸.

Bahaa

Describe what Gaza means to you: Despite the pain, Gaza remains the warm embrace of every beautiful moment I’ve had. Like most people here, I have never left it. Gaza is not just a city; it’s a city of beauty, colors, and a peace that I will never find elsewhere. I struggle to accept the destruction it has endured. In my 28 years here, I witnessed slow progress, but in one year, everything changed tragically. Gaza is not just a city—it’s a mother to all.

What should the world know about life in Gaza right now? Cameras only capture one percent of the pain we endure daily. The media only shows glimpses of our reality.

What do you hope for in one year? I hope that life will return to normal, as it was last year. I don't want anything else.

Is there anything else you would like to say? To our dear brothers and sisters around the world, we extend our heartfelt thanks for being the beacon of hope. Standing with us in defense of our rights and our shared humanity, you are our lifeline. Keep moving forward, and never lose hope. Together, hand in hand, we will pave the way for freedom.

Shortly after this questionnaire was conducted two of our partners were displaced and forced to flee once more, as the occupation once again rained US-funded bombs on Khan Yunis. The need in Gaza is growing greater every day and we must all do our part to support their fight for self-determination and liberation.

Suds4Palestine is not a charity, it is a collective movement. We believe that Palestinian freedom is intrinsically tied to our own. Join us as we fight for a better future for all.