“I ask you now: do not stop speaking about Gaza,” these powerful words were spoken by a Gazan resident, Ahmed Abu Artema, at the Great March of Return in 2018. They echo the sentiment of all Palestinians living in Gaza, a territory that has been under Israeli blockade for over a decade. The people of Gaza have been enduring unimaginable hardships, constantly living under the threat of violence and struggling to survive in a place with limited resources. However, despite the challenges, their spirit remains unbroken, and their voices are growing louder and stronger. They are asking the world to not turn a blind eye to their suffering and to keep telling their stories until Palestine is free.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has been a long and painful one. Palestinians have been struggling for their basic rights and their right to self-determination for decades. However, it is the people of Gaza who have been bearing the brunt of this conflict. The besieged territory is home to approximately two million people, who are denied their basic human rights on a daily basis. The blockade imposed by Israel has severely limited the movement of people and goods, making it difficult for Gazans to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical supplies. The unemployment rate is at a staggering 52%, and over half of the population lives below the poverty line. This dire situation has only worsened due to the recent Israeli bombings that have destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals, leaving thousands of families homeless and without access to vital services.
Despite all of this, the people of Gaza have not lost hope. They continue to resist and fight for their freedom, and they do it through their voices and their stories. They use their words to break through the silence and the misconceptions that have been built around their situation. They share their experiences of living under blockade and oppression, and they do it with courage and determination. Ahmed Abu Artema’s call for the world to not stop speaking about Gaza is a plea for the international community to not turn a blind eye to the suffering of his people. It is a reminder that their stories must continue to be told until Palestine is free.
It is crucial for us, as global citizens, to understand the plight of the people of Gaza. We must not shy away from speaking out about the injustices they face on a daily basis. We must educate ourselves about the reality of life in Gaza, a reality that is often distorted and misrepresented in the media. It is only through understanding and awareness that we can start to make a difference. We can no longer be silent spectators to the suffering of the Palestinians. It is our moral duty to stand in solidarity with them and to support their struggle for freedom.
The power of storytelling cannot be underestimated. It has the ability to break down barriers, foster empathy and understanding, and bring about change. The stories of the people of Gaza have the power to humanize their struggle and to connect people from all over the world. Their stories of resilience, resistance, and hope are a testament to the strength and determination of the human spirit. By sharing their stories, they are breaking through the walls of oppression and giving a voice to those who have been silenced for far too long.
Moreover, it is essential to keep speaking about Gaza because the situation there is not getting better. The blockade, now in its 13th year, shows no signs of being lifted. The bombings and violence are a constant threat to the safety and well-being of the people of Gaza. The international community must not forget about this ongoing crisis and must continue to put pressure on Israel to end its blockade and occupation of Palestinian territories. We must also demand accountability for Israel’s continuous violations of international law.
In conclusion, the call to not stop speaking about Gaza is a call to action. It is a call for solidarity and support for the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and human rights. It is a reminder that their stories must continue to be heard, their voices must continue to be amplified, and their struggle must not be forgotten. Let us all come together and join the people of Gaza in their fight for justice and a free Palestine. As Ahmed Abu Artema said, “keep telling our stories – until Palestine is free.”
