The fighting's effects go much beyond the actual devastation of infrastructure and buildings. It has affected Gazans' mental and emotional health, especially that of its children. Thirteen-year-old Khalil Abu Hassanein describes how deeply the Eid festivities this year are tinged with grief. He is taking refuge at a hospital north of Rafah. The lack of basic needs like fresh clothing and sweets, together with the absence of loved ones, act as continual reminders of the terrible reality of life in Gaza.
Fedaa Murjan, a mother bereaved of her eight-year-old daughter in an Israeli strike, personifies the communal sorrow and suffering experienced by many Gazan families. Now a somber reflection of the lives destroyed by the fighting and the loved ones lost, Eid was formerly a joyful and celebratory occasion. The words of Fedaa are shared by innumerable others who yearn for stability and peace in a violently divided area.
Even with all of their difficulties, the Gazan people are resolved to find happiness and fortitude in the middle of hardship. The ten-year-old Rafah youngster Nabeel Samy al-Saroura is not going to let the fighting bring him down. Resolved to celebrate Eid with his loved ones, he promises to treasure the happy times among the mayhem.
Even in the face of extreme adversity, Gaza exudes camaraderie and unity. Gaza City resident Haroun al-Medallal tells of how women in his neighborhood prepare sweets for orphaned kids in an attempt to make their cheeks smile in the middle of the destruction. Gazans, for all their suffering, are tenacious and refuse to let the fighting to define their life.
Everyone wants peace and stability as Gaza struggles to deal with the fallout from yet another horrific conflict. Mohammed Abu Amer's appeal for an end to the vicious cycle and the chance to start over are shared by many others. Gazans never give up in the face of hardship, finding strength in their tenacity and will to get through the worst of circumstances.