Imtithal, a mother of six, reminisces about the simple joys of her daily routine as she is forced to leave her home amidst the ongoing Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip. Imtithal and her family sought refuge in the Maghazi camp after Israeli forces ordered civilians to evacuate northern Gaza for their safety. They were aware of the grave danger posed by the bombings and are grateful that they heeded the warning. Sadly, their house was severely damaged in a subsequent bombing, leaving Imtithal uncertain about its habitability.
To cope with the immense worry and distress, Imtithal finds solace in the memories of her once-normal routine. She fondly recalls waking up before dawn for Fajr prayers, preparing breakfast and lunch boxes for her children, and spending quality time with her family. Imtithal also enjoyed her “me time” at the gym, followed by conversations with her neighbor, Sarah, and religious lessons through an online academy.
However, since the bombings began, Imtithal’s life has been turned upside down. Communication with her son in the United States has become nearly impossible due to limited access to electricity and the internet, caused by Israel’s fuel blockade. Imtithal yearns for the days when she could easily connect with her loved ones and engage in daily household tasks without the arduous challenges imposed by the conflict.
Imtithal’s longing for normalcy extends beyond her personal routine. She mourns the loss of her cousin, who was killed when Israeli planes bombed their house. The inability to say goodbye or hold a proper funeral has added to her anguish. Imtithal also worries about the toll this war is taking on her family, particularly her young son’s mental health. The constant exposure to violence and instability has left him withdrawn, and Imtithal strives to provide him with comfort and support amidst the harsh realities of life in the Gaza Strip.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with Imtithal unable to communicate with her sisters or visit them. The places they used to frequent for entertainment have been destroyed. The devastation caused by the bombings has left Imtithal and countless others separated from their loved ones and struggling to meet basic needs.
Imtithal’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The article sheds light on the challenges faced by families like hers, amplifying their voices in the hope of raising awareness and prompting action to alleviate their suffering.
