A Family's Struggle for Survival and Hope in Gaza

This is Noha Abu Zarifa, and here is a glimpse into my life with my cherished family. My husband, Maher Dawoud, and I are blessed with our five-year-old son, Mahmoud. After facing numerous challenges in conceiving, we were overjoyed when we discovered I was pregnant again. Now four months along, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our second child after years of longing.

To ensure the health of my pregnancy, I rely on daily heparin injections, both morning and evening. However, securing these injections is a constant struggle due to their scarcity in pharmacies. In addition to heparin, I also need stabilization injections to mitigate the risk of premature birth, which could endanger both my health and that of my unborn child.

The recent conflict in Gaza has wrought devastation on our lives. Our home was destroyed by Israeli bombardment, leaving us with nothing but memories. Our son lost not only his toys and the comfort of his home but also his kindergarten and friends. The destruction transformed our family's home and neighborhood into nothing more than piles of gray rubble, erasing all familiar landmarks.

In an effort to safeguard our family, we have been displaced multiple times, each move a desperate attempt to escape imminent danger. We now find ourselves in Rafah, a small city in the Gaza Strip, which has become a refuge for nearly half of the Strip's population. Here, basic necessities are scarce; electricity, potable and washing water, and gas for cooking are non-existent. Food is hard to come by, and when available, it is after great difficulty.

Amid these harrowing conditions, our primary goal is to find a way out of Gaza. We yearn for a safe haven where I can continue my pregnancy without the threats of premature birth or the loss of my unborn child. Our hope is to secure a future where our family can live in safety and peace.